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PTSD and Working

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Malkanthi75

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My question is do people actually suffer from this and go back to work? And if so what is the time line? I've pretty much lost my job and need to find work soon as it doesn't look like they will approve a medical pension. Basically I'm petrified of work and the thought of it gives me an anxiety attack. I just don't think any one can count on me. If something is too much or if there is a little stress in my day, my whole body goes into shut down mode and all I can do is sleep or lay on the bed watching tv and shutting myself out from the world. I feel physically worn out like I've run a marathon. Does this happen to everyone? Part of it could be because I've lost all confidence in myself as well, I was such a strong willed person till this happened very career driven now I just don't care. I'd be happy to live in the country away from people and day to day stresses. I'm not sure if this is part of the condition or if my values have changed.
 
I too was very career oriented, worked mega hours, lived and breathed it. One of the first things pointed out to me is that many people do this to avoid thinking about what's really wrong. I don't know if that is true in your case, but it was in mine.

If so, maybe a change in values, perspective, priorities, etc. is a very healthy thing.
 
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Hey Mal,

There is no given length of time before you can get back to work - it's an individual thing. I am currently off too. This is only my thrid week off, and I am still checking my work emails and feeling guilty about staying home. What makes it worse is that I've been through this before, saw it coming this time, but was still unable or unwilling to accept that I needed to take some time out. I am a lecturer and despite my misgivings, I am working on accepting the fact that I won't get back to work until the new year now.

To give you an example of how the work stress affected me - I got a letter from HR asking me to attend a meeting. As soon as I read it, I had to run and puke.

Trying to manage ptsd and work is a huge challenge. Please remember that you have accomplished so much to stay at work as long as you did. It's not unusual to want to avoid people; I get so bad that I find it hard to tolerate any demands made of me and withdraw completely.

The best thing you can do is look after yourself and set yourself a small task to complete each day - even if it's just to take a shower or pull up a few weeds in the garden. It's a long road back to work, and a phased return is advisable too. The more you worry about it, the longer it will take to get back to work, so looking at it rationally, it makes no sense to worry.

Easier said than done though - consider it a work in progress!

piglet.
 
Ive been thinking about this subject alot, i have been on disability and out of work for five years.

I wrote out an application form to a small part time job as a porter in a hospital as ive done that before, and am great working with people when they need cheering up, also i always listen and bring smiles to old folks.

Anyways, i didnt get a reply from the hospital, and remember filling it out where it says what i have been doing for the last few years and obviously i just put the truth, and put i have been signed off, but i also put i am enthusiastic and would be good at the job with previous experiance.

You made a very good point piglet, about taking small steps first, and made me think to join a VOLUNTARY job to get the ball rolling and see how i cope, because any high stress, dibilates me to a point where my head is so messed up that i litteraly get very ill very quickly.

I am fearful that i wont get employed, but at least if i volunter to start with, will show that i am capable of working and get a good reference when im ready to join real employment.

Its that or i will have to be self employed.
 
That brings me to another question. When applying for work and they ask why I've left my job or why i've been out of work for so long do I tell them? I had an interview once ages ago and I knew i had the job and we went into small talk and it came out that I had some issues in my previous work. I didn't get the job, it would have been cruisy and a good step back into work. As a result I lost a lot of confidence. Small things can set me back quite a lot.
 
Im not sure, and have the same problem, ive tried being honest for a job i could easily do and worked there sometime ago, and they knew i was good at the job then.

Even with that in my favour, after i filled out the truth on the application, off for 5 years with mh problems,,,, they didnt even write back saying thanks but no thanks.

This was only one job though, but it is a good point your raising, what exactly do you say to prospective employers?.
 
I think it's very predictable that prospective employers are not going to look well upon mental health issues. They want to hear that you'll be there, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed every morning, and won't be a drain on their benefit package or their time.

It seems that "chronic honesty" is also a feature of PTSD, I am the same. But in truth, some of the people already working there probably have mental health issues as well, diagnosed or not, so is it an issue to inform them?

You could term it, "Time off for personal growth", or "Pursuing other interests". If they ask for clarification, then maybe you can be more direct, with NO apology. If they don't ask, well, you're like anyone else applying for the job - you're going to give it your best, hopefully it all works out. That's about as good as anyone can offer.
 
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Values changed? Is there something about the job you feel is unethical?

I have kept a job as long as 3 or 4 years, but like many with PTSD, I have a hard time staying with one. Right now I'm looking for a job, and it's crazy out there.

You are physically worn out. Anxiety activates your fight or flight responses. If possible, don't feel bad about it because many people here are in the same boat.

Are you taking any meds for your anxiety? Have you asked a therapist about the possibility? For some people, the meds help even things out. Of course, every person responds differently.
 
Thanks cragger65 some real good suggestions there, and also the term u used 'chronic honesty' , i feel like im that at times, and often blurt out truths even though sometimes it better and more wise to be a little more diplomatic.

Should be more aware that sometimes being so honest can actualy work against me sometimes.
 
Anything you think they are likely to check you should tell the truth about but put the most positive light on it that you can.

Anything they are unlikely to check? Personally, I lie like a rug.
 
Karma,
Ofcorse there were things about the job I didn't like or agree with especially when it came to how the bosses treat mental illness even though they are the cause of it. I'm in a court battle with them at the moment just so i can get the pay back that they took from me without telling me. Long story. But when i say my values have changed I'm referring to the fact that I just don't care about living the high life any more. I don't care about money and keeping up with the Jones. I just want simplicity and happiness.
 
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