How Much Do You Tell Work About Your Ptsd?

[Notsowild]

I have a dilemma... I'm having a few problems at work concerning my PTSD. I do my actual work well it's mainly just interacting with people especially my manager. I've been "written up" twice since my trauma (car accident) due to verbal outbursts at work.

So... I talked to our HR department and they said I should tell my boss want I'm going through. And I could get a letter from my T explaining my symptoms. They would even sit in with me while I tell her. They also said there's no way I should lose my job over this.

Then I went to my T and asked for a letter for work. She said that work should not have to know all my personal problems. Which is true.

Any advice?

 

[Fraser46]

It is difficult to know for the best what to tell your work. I didn't say anything to my work until I was on a permanent contract, as a temporary member of staff I knew it might have implications. When I was made permanent, I got my gp to write a letter confirm my PTSD and Depression diagnosis. I spoke to my HT and handed in the letter at the same time. I must admit telling my headteacher has been a great support and she has really looked out for me when she can see that I am having a bad day. When I started Exposure Therapy a few months ago, I got the Psychologist to write to my headteacher to explain the therapy process as I had concerns that I would have days after the sessions that I wouldn't be fit to work (my sessions are 7:15-8:45am and I start teaching at 9:15). I am ucky that my boss has been so understanding and it maybe depends on the sort of relationship you have.

 

[BLHutch]

There are a few people that I teach with that know about it, but they are people that I feel comfortable sharing the information with. A couple of them are psychology professors, and so it is easy to talk them about it. One of the Deans at the college knows about it but only because he and I have known each other for a long time (back when I was still a police officer) and so I felt comfortable opening up to him. If it ever got to the point that I felt that it might endanger my employment, then I would go ahead and let HR and my supervisor know. But that is a personal decision. I guess you have to listen to your therapist, but at the same time you are not letting your work know about your personal business. You are letting your work know about a medical condition that you have that might, from time to time, affect your job. I would just think of it that way.

 

[Notsowild]

Thanks @suzanne1987...

depends on the sort of relationship you have.

My relationship with my boss is my biggest problem. Lets see... She's new, she came just a month after my accident. It's her first managerial position. She came in wanting to change everything we did ( like we were doing it all wrong before she came). She comes right at me and says things like " we do it this way now" or "why are you doing it like that". Instead going into the office and discussing it first.

One day I was just coming back in and she comes at me and says very rudely "why aren't you doing it this way" I said because I was never told. She didn't believe me. But even my co- worker couldn't believe how rude she was.

You are letting your work know about a medical condition that you have that might, from time to time, affect your job. I would just think of it that way

Thanks @BLHutch... She does know about my medical condition. My doctor gave her a note about my physical injuries plus the PTSD. She just concentrated on the physical injuries and ignored the PTSD . I guess I would have to remind her. Its a hard decision

Must be nice to be a teacher

 

[BLHutch]

Thanks @suzanne1987...
Must be nice to be a teacher

Some days it is. Right now it works pretty well for me. I don't know what the future will hold, of course, so I just take it one day at a time.

 

[Notsowild]

WOW... Did I write that? I don't even understand what I'm saying. It's just one jumbled mess. Sort of like my life is now. Can't talk normally. Can't write properly. There too much going on I can't deal with it all.

Sorry I'll give up posting till I'm better

 

[EvenStrongerNow]

((((@Notsowild)))) Post when you're not feeling better, not just when you're better. That's what a support forum is for--either way.

 

[BLHutch]

Sometimes getting all those jumbled thoughts out of your head and onto paper helps.

 

[atthree]

You know it took a traumatic event to share I had PTSD. I could not believe the beating someone was taking out in a parking lot. They confronted me (Stressful situation) and I said,"I did see anything." Total mental block. Once I had time to think about it and stress levels settled I remembered.

This is what it took to ask a neighbour who major'd in psychology why I can remember thing after... I look like I lied.

Not to many people can honestly understand PTSD, so everybody else,"I'm getting old."

 

[Barconian]

I have a dilemma... I'm having a few problems at work concerning my PTSD. I do my actual work well it's mainly just interacting with people especially my manager. I've been "written up" twice since my trauma

Is it possible that your manager doesn't understand your situation and wants to avoid it... The too hard basket!!! That isn't your problem it is hers and it is the bosses job to learn how.

 

[Storm-ridden]

One day I was just coming back in and she comes at me and says very rudely "why aren't you doing it this way" I said because I was never told. She didn't believe me. But even my co- worker couldn't believe how rude she was.

At this point I'd even talk to a higher up about her attitude as well- it sounds like she's turning it into a bit of a hostile work environment, and you don't need that extra stress!

I work at veterinary office, and when I started having some real trouble and realized it was noticeable to my coworkers, I talked to my office manager about it- she was very supportive about it and we discussed who, if anyone else, really needed to know about it, what to do if I was having a bad day, etc.It was nerve-wracking; I don't know what I would have done if I didn't like her initially!

She does know about my medical condition. My doctor gave her a note about my physical injuries plus the PTSD. She just concentrated on the physical injuries and ignored the PTSD . I guess I would have to remind her.

If HR offered to sit in with you and help explain the situation, I'd take them up on that, if you do tell her. Maybe have a letter from your therapist and a copy of the original letter you gave her, so you can show her where she was initially told about it? (I can see her trying to say that she was never told, so having proof about what you gave her initially might be a good idea).

 

[Meghan87]

Unfortunately not everyone believes that mental illness is real, some people will believe that what you are going through is just something you are making up or pretending to do to get out of working or to seek attention. I found that a lot of people did not understand what I was going through with PTSD and BP disorder and at first I felt the need to try and make them understand but I quickly realized what a HUGE waste of time that was!

The most important thing is doing what it right for YOU and only you know what that is. I had to make some pretty harsh decisions that caused much judgement but it helped me, I am getting better now :) most people would not even know that I have PTSD and BP disorder now unless they are super close to me. Your T is right though they don't need to know, but if it is effecting your job and you enjoy your job and the people you work for respect you then I would be honest about it, if you feel like you don't want to share that information then don't. In my opinion ... Life is yours you choose what path you want to walk.