Is Part Time Work Better For Your Ptsd?

[lil_fighter]

I have only ever worked part time hours once but all my other jobs have been full time. From personal experience, the environments that I have worked in have been the main factor of how PTSD is affected but the hours have made a difference too. My idea before was to keep busy and work as much as possible as a way of blocking things out but the problem with that is taking on too much and reaching burn out, which makes it even worse.

Have you found that part time work has helped your PTSD symptoms? If so, how? :)

I'm thinking that part time hours (as in less than five days a week) would allow time for a person to heal and perhaps on other free days do something relaxing or to improve their wellbeing such as a yoga class or therapy for example.

 

[heyheyhey]

Yeah, sure. You just have to be careful that free time doesn't turn into ruminating, something like volunteering can be good. I like part-time as it just lessens the stress and the load and I don't need a lot of money anyway, so I'm happy with less.

 

[Muted]

I think part-time would be ideal. I agree that long hours and the environment at work can negatively impact PTSD.

I work full time right now and that's taking its toll in a major way. I've been looking for a good part time job, but it's hard to find one that I will be able to pay bills and afford therapy. When I've had time off from work my t says I'm so different, I think because I wasn't so stressed out.

 

[Gadgie]

I would like to work part time, but there are so many factors I have to consider, being in a crowded room for instance, meeting people, and having dead lines to meet.

All of those, plus a few others would set me off "on one"........ (a flash back, or a sudden mood swing" some days when my confidence is really low, I feel like I can't even go outside, or be with other people.

Then I get these bad days, when my back is really playing up, and my mobility is almost at zero, and I can't get anything done at all.

 

[Muted]

I know working in a crowded area or with constant noise would be really hard for me too @Gadgie . it's also really hard to go back to work after an appointment, because I'm trying to process things and don't want people around me.

 

[420kitty]

I found that I have to work a minimum of 35 hours/week. I would prefer 45-60. the reason is my mind wanders a lot and negative things pop unto my head. I love the work I do and it gives me time to be creative, but also occupies my mind. I do get exhausted from time to time, and triggers come through at times. If I am having a bad week working less is good for me.