Struggling back at work - considering disability?

[Lisamarieaxo]

Hello,
After almost 8 months off of work, I am back. I am not sure I can handle it...My job is tough. Mostly I deal w Panic disorder w agoraphobia traits and I have many phobias that I have to confront for my job. I know this is the way out, but it also has to be that fine balance btwn a challenge and not too much. What if I can't? I have no more time to be approved on leave?

 

[Skywatcher]

What kind of work do you do? Are you in weekly therapy?

I find that a predictable work schedule helps me function better. On holidays I tend to get thrown off and occasionally fall apart. I have been known to see my therapist extra when things fall apart.

Think about it proactively. How can I survive and improve each day as I go, despite the challenges?
Don’t view quitting as if it’s likely going to happen, instead give yourself a chance to succeed!

 

[Lisamarieaxo]

What kind of work do you do? Are you in weekly therapy?

I find that a predictable work schedule helps me function better. On holidays I tend to get thrown off and occasionally fall apart. I have been known to see my therapist extra when things fall apart.

Think about it proactively. How can I survive and improve each day as I go, despite the challenges?
Don’t view quitting as if it’s likely going to happen, instead give yourself a chance to succeed!

Thanks! My work is pretty hard. I am a social worker for the state, child protective services. Been there for 10 years. I am not in a bad county, if it weren't for my phobias it wouldbe great!

I have several therapists! And group therapy also.. all of which I will loose if I quit. I am trying to hold on. The work environment is also toxic. They are retaliating against me for being out so long, it's not horrible, but not supportive. BUT my coworkers are VERY supportive and have gone out of their way through the years to support me (the superiors are angry I was out so long). So taking it day by day, or minute by minute ?

 

[Skywatcher]

Do you have some sort of accommodations in place due to your mental health issues? I would think that it is illegal to retaliate against you at work without violating your civil rights. I think that in your line of work, keep reminding yourself who you are protecting and doing this for! Let that be your motivation to stay strong! A champion for those that can’t help themselves. Do you have a plan to breathe or meditate on your breaks? I have a park I frequent on mine. It’s right off the water with lots of migrating bird varieties to pull my interest into nature.

 

[Lisamarieaxo]

Do you have some sort of accommodations in place due to your mental health issues? I would think that it is illegal to retaliate against you at work without violating your civil rights. I think that in your line of work, keep reminding yourself who you are protecting and doing this for! Let that be your motivation to stay strong! A champion for those that can’t help themselves. Do you have a plan to breathe or meditate on your breaks? I have a park I frequent on mine. It’s right off the water with lots of migrating bird varieties to pull my interest into nature.

I am trying! My panic and dissociation has been worse (Although it is not nearly as constant as some ppl). Taking it moment by moment.. but are there other options for me?

 

[Lisamarieaxo]

Hello, I just returned to work at almost 8 months off due to panic disorder. On leave I started getting a lot of dissassociation, depersonalization, derealization. What are my options for disability?

 

[Lisamarieaxo]

Do you have some sort of accommodations in place due to your mental health issues? I would think that it is illegal to retaliate against you at work without violating your civil rights. I think that in your line of work, keep reminding yourself who you are protecting and doing this for! Let that be your motivation to stay strong! A champion for those that can’t help themselves. Do you have a plan to breathe or meditate on your breaks? I have a park I frequent on mine. It’s right off the water with lots of migrating bird varieties to pull my interest into nature.

I was told there are no accomdations.. although there is an accomdations department. Speaking w the union this afternoon.

 

[EveHarrington]

Are you in the USA?

 

[Lisamarieaxo]

Are you in the USA?

Yes

 

[EveHarrington]

There’s always SSDI. I’d be sure that you’d exhausted all workplace benefits first though.

 

[TruthSeeker]

I was told there are no accomdations.. although there is an accomdations department. Speaking w the union this afternoon.

How are you doing? How did that turn out for you?

Just to share, I got PTSD accommodation in a Virginia school for a boss who was abusive, bullying and triggering me intentionally, and daily for the duration of my working at that school system. Reasonable considerations are one thing for an accommodation-considerations that are unreasonable, another because they are believed that they can cause the system a hardship. Reasonable accommodations in a gov't or state job would be to have an unencumbered quiet (private) lunch for the complete duration daily, two bathroom breaks (am/pm), to have a mentor you could go to talk to and give feedback, and allow you to leave on time to attend therapy appointment previously scheduled in your calendar (this insures you don't have a boss who expects last minute "stay here, you're not done syndrome" when you have an appt). You can use FMLA leave with a diagnosis of PTSD and one complete year in this type of position.

 

[Lisamarieaxo]

How are you doing? How did that turn out for you?

Just to share, I got PTSD accommodation in a Virginia school for a boss who was abusive, bullying and triggering me intentionally, and daily for the duration of my working at that school system. Reasonable considerations are one thing for an accommodation-considerations that are unreasonable, another because they are believed that they can cause the system a hardship. Reasonable accommodations in a gov't or state job would be to have an unencumbered quiet (private) lunch for the complete duration daily, two bathroom breaks (am/pm), to have a mentor you could go to talk to and give feedback, and allow you to leave on time to attend therapy appointment previously scheduled in your calendar (this insures you don't have a boss who expects last minute "stay here, you're not done syndrome" when you have an appt). You can use FMLA leave with a diagnosis of PTSD and one complete year in this type of position.

Hello! Well I ended up quitting... now not sure what to do. I have to get better. I have a little savings. I am going to try for disability again...