Ptsd, accommodations, sick days?

[Saywhat]

Now that I understand that C-PTSD is accepted as a reasonable explanation for the issues that make it difficult sometimes for me to function at my usual work levels, I'm not sure what the best thing to do about it. I work in an environment that is willing to make accommodations such as working from home on stressful days, or moving my work space if the location is too disruptive. But what about when I just have to take a sick day because no amount of accommodation is going to help me do anything beyond rest and recover? I don't want disability and don't even think it would be appropriate. But for me, C-PTSD is this thing that is becoming more unpredictable and more difficult. I managed with some success all these years, but now that it's named and I'm seeking treatment, it's become a beast. Is that part of finally breaking down enough that it gains an upper hand?

I have a childhood made of PTSD-causing incidents and am surprised to realize that I don't remember it. I can only describe the circumstances. The truly traumatic stuff has either been told to me or remembered in dis-embodied snapshots. So I can't explain what's going on when I zone out or become extra jumpy, or can't concentrate, or am suddenly a puddle of deep sobs. And that's its own issue, because whose to say I'm crazy instead of legit ptsd?

Anyway, how do you handle ptsd symptoms and work in a way that protects your dignity and helps you meet your standards of competency? Plea for your tips, here.

 

[EveHarrington]

If your employer knows about your illness and knows you need accommodations, wouldn’t it stand to reason that they’d know you also may have sick days when symptoms are too much to bear?

 

[Freida]

Take the disability and sick days. Fighting it just prolongs the pain...
Cptsd is just like the flu or a broken leg -an illness that requires treatment

 

[nowthisisme]

I've been suffering from PTSD for a year-and-a-half before I was officially diagnosed. I was REALLY struggling and had no idea why. I went to multiple specialists until I found out I have PTSD. And like you said when I started treatment it turned into a beast.

It became harder and harder to do anything but i kept pushing myself untill i couldn't anymore. I haven't been to work for 10 days. I am meeting with them tomorrow to make arrangement to step down. I run our family business so quitting was a very hard decision for me to make but it's time to take care of me. Everyone else will be OK.

Talking to my T caused so many memories to come back some good and some very bad and those memories stay lingering in my head until i lost my ability to focus and i also developed a phobia from a computer keyboard so i couldn't even use my computer at work or i would get a flashback or a severe migraine.

If you really need to work and can't get disability, make it clear to you employeer about your needs and take it easy on yourself. One step at a type. Ask your T to teach you grounding techniques you could use at work.

Best of luck to you!