Two Months & Still Suffering

[VegasVictim]

I was robbed in a takeover, at a branch that I have been an employee at for 7 years, by a man who wore a mask that looked like a monster. Although I never saw a weapon, he stated that he did not want to hurt me, which I felt was a threat. I froze in fear and after he left I was physically and emotionally ill. I have been involved in therapy for two months and still can't return to my teller position. I am taking meds for PTSD and just want things to return to normal. I have started to wonder if I will ever be o.k. It seems to me that most tellers who are robbed return to work? How? I thought that my branch was going to get bandit glass but it does not look like that's going to happen. Any ideas?

 

[Sandra]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[VegasVictim]

Thank you :)

 

[sassyannie54]

So many times others want to put their own time frame for recovery to someone else's traumatic experiences. Two months doesn't seem like very long and in any case it seems like it's not long enough for you. Keep seeing your therapist and if you don't think you're getting what you need than try another. It just takes time and work and no one has a right to tell you how long that will be. You are welcome here.

 

[VegasVictim]

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement.:) I have seen two therapists so far, I have learned breathing therapy and I have started a relaxation routine. Both have helped and the meds seem to have stopped the panic attacks. I started out going into a different bank, once a week for 5 min. Then I was able to go to the branch where the robbery happened, when they were closed. That went fine but when I went there when the bank was open I had lots of panic and could not even be behind the teller line. The therapist is working with my employer to allow me to return to work in a non-cash position, but so far, No Luck. I would think that my employer would benefit so much more to let me come back, instead of keeping me on work comp? I know that I would get better and feel better if I was working, instead of just sitting at home worrying. I wish I could understand the banks side of things, instead I just take it so personally. I am trying to keep busy, but I feel better just being at home. This forum is great because I can feel like I'm not so alone with my PTSD. Thanks again.

 

[Stormy Eagle]

Hi VegasVictim...welcome to the forum. Wow, what a scary situation!

It sounds like you performed well during the actual crisis, you kept yourself safe physically...and you waited until after he left to get sick...hopefully you can take some comfort in your strength.

Two months sounds like a very short period of time to me, to heal from anything really. I don't actually know, as I'm trying to heal from the effects of life-long trauma, but I do know that I give any type of physical injury at least a few months before I have any expectations.

I have found having a place to "go" where people understand me, immeasurably helpful...I'm glad you are here.

Anna-Lisa

 

[pi314159]

Welcome to the forum.

I'm sorry to hear you are still suffering.

I hope you are able to benefit from the kind and supportive people on the forum.

 

[Kairos]

Be very patient with yourself...trauma does have a physical effect on the nervous system, you need recovery time!

Can you find out more about what your employer is thinking? Do you have a union or other kind of employee representative?

It might be helpful to contact others who have experienced the same kind of trauma as well.