Ptsd And Work: How Do You Do It?

[somethingsomething]

I find having a job keeps me grounded. But I think it also depends a lot on the type of job you're doing. I was working in retail as my first real job, for about 6 months (starting this past Jan.), it was with a friend of mine and I loved the people I worked with - but I hated the job. It stressed me out, similarly to what you were saying. I hated constantly interracting with people - I did everything to get out of that store, running errands, you name it. Anything to get out of all these expectations that were constantly suffocating me.

And then about a few weeks ago, I got an office job. All I do is office work. I have a computer, I keep to myself, I do my tasks on my own time - and I love it. I never feel burned out. I had a bad day today, but it still wasn't half as bad as having a bad day at my retail job.

It's also worth mentioning the office job is full time and the retail job was part time. And it's still not even half as stressful. What you're doing makes all the difference.

 

[Dana1010]

What you're doing makes all the difference

Yeah, it's people for sure. I think there are certain people who are energized by social contact and then people like us who are absolutely drained by it. I would rather do office work by myself for eight hours than deal with strangers and their faces and voices and smells and awkwardness for one hour. It looks like companies these days are demanding a four year degree for the kind of work you do - administrative assistant, secretary, etc. Degree inflation. I didn't finish my degree so I don't think they'd pick me over someone who did.

 

[KwanYingirl]

I believe that they have tests to measure what kind of work environment you prefer and you answer a lot of questions. Then they add up the number you get and it corresponds to careers what fits your needs.

 

[livingwiththis]

I understand how you feel I used to work in fast food dealing with people all the time it was only part time but I had to quit I now find my new job as a nanny helpful it's like helping kids is very distracting for me I guess it depends on the job you have

 

[Hashi]

If you really have no choice then you need a lot of skills and strategies. My concern from what you say is that you're not talking about that aspect at all.

What's your plan? How do you support yourself and work to stay grounded? Are there additional things you need to start doing?

 

[Lucycat]

I work full time and it is really tough.

I had this job long before I was diagnosed so thought everybody was in the same boat. I see now that I had put in far more effort to get and stay where I am. There is certainly no easy answer. I have also learned than when it is too much I have to say so - for the sake and and safety of others. I sort of feel like I always have to prove something - from childhood deprivation and neglect- so I go that extra mile at work to make things happen. It is exhausting. Sometimes I crash, but generally I am pleased with what I have achieved.

I take care of me at work, because I know that nobody else ( at work) gives a sh*t.

 

[Dana1010]

@Hashi, I guess I don't really have a plan except to start looking for a job I can do from home. I'm practicing grounding while in motion and in public which is really hard since my agoraphobia is so strong it basically feels like an earthquake is happening when I meet someone new. I think I should discuss medication with my therapist.

 

[Hashi]

I'm always saying this on the forum but I think we need loads of skills, and to spend loads of time on them.

If you're really struggling, medication might be a good idea. I'd suggest using that to ease your situation so you'll be able to improve your coping skills though, rather than an end in itself.

Something that's helping me very much with anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is Jeffrey Schwartz's four steps. He's previously written about OCD in particular but now I'm reading his book "You Are Not Your Brain" which is about any faulty brain wiring - which would include agrophobia - and how to change it to healthy responses. These are the kind of skills I mean - not just trying to calm down when distressed.

It's tough but there's no way round it. Skills like this - they don't have to be the ones that help me, whatever helps you - do work and make a difference. To be very blunt, in my view if we do the skills work, maybe helped by medication for a while, things will get better. If we don't, they won't.

 

[LizC]

I'm working full time and also having Previously been agoraphobic work in hospitality! I find that work helps me to 'switch off' and stop thinking about my triggers

 

[CheeryFetchling]

I'm finding it hard at the moment. I have quite a high pressure job and am almost constantly lone working with a group of teenagers who tend to be quite high needs. I have been very honest with my line manager, but the situation hasn't changed (it's illegal to be lone working in any case, but I have no choice unless I just walk out and leave the kids). In my case, I'd feel very guilty if I stopped working, or took a break. I know that's not entirely rational, but we're all under a lot of pressure to lone work and put in loads of extra hours to get everything done.

Things should, theoretically improve as they're looking to employ a new member of staff, which should cut the lone working down, at least. Though I dread telling him about what's going on in my head (I've worked with other colleagues for years, so I can talk to them).

Some workplaces can be very flexible, when it comes to it. That's less possible if you're self-employed, though.

There are usually alternatives, it's just knowing where to look.

 

[Gloww33]

Yes, I experience this. Sometimes I have to into the bathroom and cry.....if smokers can have 15 minute breaks every hour than I can go cry for my 15 minutes and pull it together. I take time at work and go to a quiet place. It is made worse because I don't sleep very well because night is the worst for me with symptoms. So sorry you have to deal with this too.....I have to remind myself, I am doing the best that I can and that's all I can really do. I try not to ever listen to my own negativity, and just deal with things as they come.