Only Three Days

[Dani]

I know I've only been back at work for 3 days, but it's been 3 stressful days. I keep telling myself it's week one, take a 'chil' pill, but this PTSD just rears it's ugly head sometimes. I almost hada panic attack yesturday when one of the staff members bullied me out of the main counseling office. I could'nt believe it!
But I kept my cool and walked away.
AND then today my Boss emails me directly responding to an email I wrote before school started as if I wrote it today. I'm all like, damn, can't you just do your job and leave me alone?!
So today I went BACK to the counseling center to make sure I don't start associating that place with "the fear" and walked into one of the offices of one of the counselors I consider a friend. We hugged and I told her I just wanted to make sure I could come in without getting yelled at. lol.

 

[intothelight]

Hi Dani,

PTSD symptoms increase with stress, good or bad. Going back to work is stressful and it does get better over time. I don't know what your work environment is like, but think of things that you find calming and incorporate them into that environment. For example, lowering the ringer volume on a phone can make it less startling. Take a short walk at lunch time or on breaks A scenic photograph can help, if you find nature relaxing.

I hope it continues to improve for you.

Debbie

 

[cherryblossom]

Well done for going back to work :D. It's a tough adjustment to make, so please don't be too hard on yourself. It sounds like you are doing well. Debbie's suggestions are great. Keep taking the hugs from friends, and don't let your manager rattle you. Things will settle back down at work, as you get back into the swing of things.

 

[KP the nut]

Hi Dani, the above ideas are great. I had something which was small and I could concentrate on, taking regular breaks are so helpful, especially for me if I could go outside, I would concentrate on my surroundings and feel grass, bricks anything, just to ground.

Be kind to yourself and allow yourself some time at the start and at the end of each day to just relax, breathe and unwind.

Good luck
KP

 

[Dani]

Thanx guys,
Your support really does help. More than I ever imagined.