How Little Is Too Little For Ptsd?

[Tinyflame]

I think there is an on-line group for police officers with ptsd. 'Blue' something, it's for support & info.

Btw, your Shepherd is beautiful. :) One has my heart now, my third German Shepherd. :inlove:

 

[T.W.]

Justmehere, We have a program that's free called Employee Assistance Program. It's confidential. I may take that Avenue.
And you make a valid point; I'll call it paranoia, but I always think that my administration is just out to hang anyone they can.
But the EAP only consists of psychologists and if they think I need more than they can do, then I'll have to file it on my insurance.
The main problem is that we had an officer retire citing PTSD as the reason. Since then, they seem to always be defensive when it's mentioned. Almost like they take it personally.

 

[Tinyflame]

It will change in time T.W., but occupationally they don't want to recognize it. But denying it doesn't change it. Be smart & careful, but help yourself first. Perhaps you have an avenue through the union, +/or protection against discrimination. Because it won't help to worry about repurcussions so much of what 'could' be that you fail to get the needed support to survive (& heal).

I wish you only good things, & much peace. I hope you find support & help here. :hug:

 

[T.W.]

Thank you very much. I'm definitely dealing with some out of character issues.
At first it was a roller coaster of feelings and emotions; now it's nearly a constant state of crap. I've considered quitting my job alot here lately.

 

[Justmehere]

I think EAP would be a great thing to try! All the same privacy laws cover EAP programs. It would still be a violation of HIPAA if they told anyone, and HIPAA violations are pretty serious matters. My guess/hope is that the EAP counselors are likely very familiar with PTSD in officers and would be able to help.

I can see how administration might be jumpy about PTSD now. Basically, someone decided to tell them that they had to stop working there because the job harmed him. Now administration, the people who give that job out to begin with, they are putting down anyone who says the job is harmful and can lead to the injury of PTSD. It smells like a lot of denial on their part. That's THEIR stuff.

I think you are smart to see it and recognize it for what it is, and to be careful around them because of it. But, they are kind of full of it in terms of what is and isn't PTSD, and what it means about the people with it. So try not to take on their stuff as your attitude toward your own PTSD symptoms. (Which is so super easy to say, but hard for most people to do.) Just the fact that you are considering therapy makes you are braver than any of the folks in administration with that attitude.

I think it's really normal to reconsider the job, especially when having active PTSD symptoms related to the job. Some of my PTSD symptoms come from my old job. Don't beat yourself up for it. PTSD is awful. It might be time to quit and move on, it might be time to stay. If you get into treatment and keep your much deserved recovery from PTSD first, I think figuring out work will become a lot more clear. Everything that you are experiencing can get so much better.

 

[T.W.]

Thank you for taking the time to talk to me.
On Monday I'll give EAP a call. Or maybe I'll go see my old therapist who I did some EMDR sessions with a couple of years ago.

 

[T.W.]

I have an appointment with a Dr on Thursday.
Will keep everyone posted.