Sufferer Veteran Just Diagnosed With Ptsd, But Not Related To Service

[Silly Sally]

I am having an awful time with a new job and was so upset that I could not go to work. The director is a very control oriented retired Colonel and his second in command is a retired service member don't know the rank. It seems I have been being triggered constantly. I was out an entire week and was just diagnosed this week. I am uptight about what I may come up against as they probably think I am some kind of nut.

I work for the government. Can I get some help from the VA? I don't want to take away from anybody who has combat or sexual abuse related trauma.

I guess I can admit to myself that I am mentally ill...just only depressed.

Is there any protection for me related to my job with this illness?

 

[Martin Taylor]

PTSD is addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Not being a lawyer, I think you should find out what your rights are. I know that reasonable accommodations may be made, but you have to ask for them. So I would talk to someone. Also, don't feel shy about what you have and don't feel ashamed. You are not taking away from anyone, simply getting yours. You deserve it.

By the way, welcome.

 

[cherryblossom]

Hi Sally, Welcome to the forum. :)

You're post is a little vague (not a criticism, just an observation). I'm assuming you are in the US? And I'm assuming you have been diagnosed with PTSD?

I doubt very much that you are 'some kind of nut' :eek:. There is a lot of information on this site about PTSD, which I hope you will find useful.

I'm in the UK, where PTSD, and depression both fall under the UK Equality act, but clearly if you are in the USA, you will need to hear from other members who will know more about your local situation, to determine whether there is any protection for you in your current job.

All the best
CB

 

[Kim]

Hi Sally (sorry but I refuse to call you Silly),

Trauma is trauma and when it comes to PTSD, it doesn't matter how you got it. You were obviously traumatized and that's all that matters. I'm here because I suffered emotional abuse and neglect as a child. That doesn't exactly come close to the trauma experienced in times of war either. Does that make my symptoms any less real? NO. Don't worry about how you got it, it's the fact that you're here that matters.

Thank you for sharing your story with us and welcome to the forum. You will find a lot of support and understanding here.

 

[Martin Taylor]

I'm with Kim.

 

[CraftyCath]

Hi Sally and welcome to the Forum,

Take the above advice and read through the information on PTSD. Let us know how you get on.

 

[Froggie]

Welcome to the forum Sally. Being in a workplace with so many triggers can drain anyones energies (physical, emotional and mental). The above members have given you some pretty good advice.

 

[Bravo06]

Sally wishing you all the best in your journey. Do you work for the VA? Or just the Feds? My last job I was the assistant director of a Veterans organization . It was time for me to call it quits. My therapist at the time was not for me going back to work. I was kinda burned out too. Im glad I did not rush back to work. You really have to take care of your self first.
If you don't, who will. Gods speed.
And welcome aboard!!