Informing Colleagues

[Fraser46]

I have had a bit of a rough week, I have started sessions with an NHS Psychologist focussing on Exposure Therapy. It is basically where I have to retell the trauma over and over again until my brain starts to process the trauma. I have been feeling pretty anxious after the sessions and have found it pretty difficult to put on a positive act. Well on Wednesday I was really anxious after the early morning session (7:15-8:45am), then it was announced that we have an School inspection in January. I was struggling to handle my anxiety and my Head Teacher picked on this quite quickly and calmed me down. After a discussion we agreed that it would be very difficult for me to keep my emotions and anxiety under control over the next few months, particularly on the day and the day after therapy sessions. We agreed that I really needed to let staff know about the PTSD and how it can affect me.

My Head Teacher (she has known for the past year about the PTSD) spoke to all the staff and informed them of the diagnosis following the trauma whilst I was abroad and explained that I am still recovering physical and psychologically from the injuries. She explained that I will have days particularly after medical appointments that I will be upset and that people need to give me some time and space and not pester me to talk. The Headteacher was understanding and cancelled all of my lessons for the remainder of the day (I take children out of class for extra support) and I was given the choice to either go home or work in school on paperwork. Although it has been hard at school this week, I feel that I have definitely taken a step forward by letting staff know what I have difficulties and not being too ashamed to admit that I still have issues. I have worked at the school for over 18 months and it has been a real struggle to hide my emotions, but I think I have done the right thing.

 

[HelenB]

I am so glad to hear you have been able to be so supported and honest within your work place, and really hope this will help you greatly with your anxiety. You have done so well to be so honest and real and ultimately really believe that being able to be as real as we can within safe environments is so important, and hope it will help you greatly and that you will be able to continue to receive the understanding and support which you deserve.

God bless
Helen

 

[Attheseams]

Hi,

Very brave Suzanne, you have done the right thing. You should be really proud of you,

Take Care
Craig

 

[Fraser46]

It has been really hard and up until now I dont think I would have had the confidence to tell others about the PTSD. I have a good group of friends at work who were really surprised but now understand that there are days where I dont what to socialise or be around others. My HT has been fantastic and has watched carefully for sign of my deteriorating with stress and has sent me home discretely. I really hope that I have made the right decision, but believe that if people are going to act strangely around me they really arent proper friends.

 

[macca]

Hey - good to hear you feel good about this. It's a big step, and gives you more support and understanding! Great work!