Working While Having Ptsd And Borderline?

[HappyJock]

I have been diagnosed with PTSD, Borderline and I believe some form of Schizophrenia (meaning it's not very intense but I do have it) and it gets bad sometimes. I've worked in many different jobs before; some big tech corporations and also as a journalist. Some small jobs as well. I don't mean to come off sounding like a snob by labeling one a "small job" I do it so I can explain the following a little better.

I've been out of work for over a year now because of all of the things I've been diagnosed with. I still don't feel ready to go to work honestly -- but my therapist says she believes I can work and that employers can respond better if I have a psychiatrist or herself write a letter and the work has to accommodate to serious mental illnesses.

While I can understand appreciate her efforts, I have not had any good experiences seeing any big corporations, sorry for the language, giving a shit about some guy with a mental illness when they could just find someone else. I'm not saying all employers are like that, but here in NY, I've just heard so many stories about employers discriminating and firing people because of their PTSD and mental illness; and the jobs that I want, the type of work I do, usually they don't really care about a doctor's note/accommodating to one's mental illness.

I guess I'm hoping to hear that there are more good experiences you guys have had than bad ones, advice or thoughts about all of this? One part of me feels like it'd actually be bad for me right now to work but on the other hand part of me wants to do it again. Am I overthinking it?

 

[SeanCharles]

@HappyJock: I can sympathize with you. I am stuck working for an extra large corporation, no names here (besides they have have many) And While I may not share all your medical issues, we do share 1 in common, Unfortunately I am treated like a slave, underpaid/overpaid depending on the perspective, underpaid as I am a part-time employee, overpaid and not disabled in the eyes of the benefits system, even though I do have benefits with the company, I am still treated like a number despite they recieve a tax break because of my employment and length of employment thus far.

It seems to me, that because I am not easily understood I am treated like a litter runt. On the otherhand though, they have given me the skill (after going through complete one day training to add backup cashier when needed in my department depending on few circumstances.

Anyway, I didn't want to sound too negative, but at the same time I wanted to show both sides too.

 

[mary1979]

Is it necessary to disclose your condition upon applying for a job?

I personally wouldn't.
Because I would assume they would look at someone without issues over someone with them.

That doesn't mean you wouldn't receive support once you are settled in the job and have shown your worth.
My workplace actually offers free therapy if any of us feel we are struggling.

 

[Nevermore]

For me it's better to work. I don't do well not working. I kept working even when I was pretty ill mentally. I didn't realise then it was PTSD.
I left my original job, which required me to talk to people a lot, and got a job where communication was low on the list of requirements.
It helped me - the routine, the money. I avoided talking to anyone and it became maybe the most peaceful place in my life at that time.
I don't think I would have enjoyed everyone knowing what I was going through though - a letter from a psychologist just would have made me self conscious. I just wanted yo blend into the furniture, and I was pretty successful at that!
For me it was a good thing, but it wasn't any high flying job. I just looked for a gentle employer and a quiet non stressful job. Also it was casual so I could get days off or even weeks off without much flurry - I needed that. Think I was lucky to find that, when I think about it - but I really appreciated that job.
A high stress, full communication job would have done my head in even worse, so it's probably just the fact that it wasn't those things that helped.
Not sure about the letter though, that would make me more anxious!!

 

[EveHarrington]

In my experience companies aren't so eager to bring on what they perceive as "problem employees". Please don't misunderstand what I'm saying. Legally we are entitled to accommodations but employers just see this as a pain, something that will cost them time and money. And----in a world with many people wanting one single position, where is their incentive to hire someone who needs accommodations over someone who doesn't?

I think if you disclose, it should be after you've been hired and preferably after you've given it a chance so you could see if you really do need accommodations.

 

[SeanCharles]

Unfortunately, for me It's obvious that I do have disabilities. Through the years I have maintained this employment it's been tougher on me and lately I am struggling with mental and physical health issues. My emotions are constantly being kept in check as the stress and anxiety and possible dissociation worsen, It took a while to see the symptoms of the PTSD manifest and now I constantly recognize them and manage the best I am able despite the repetitive and vicious cycle I am enduring.

 

[scout86]

I'm self-employed and that avoids a lot of problems. Any chance your skill set would work for something like that?

 

[SeanCharles]

@scout86 While I can't specifically discuss my self-employment openly, I am doing some things that do combine a lot of my skill set(s) as I have a mix of skills and in ways I am fighting to transition to self-employment.

 

[SpiritFree]

@scout86 While I can't specifically discuss my self-employment openly, I am doin...

Seancharles, I think self-employed is a much better environment for those struggling. Right now I'm starting a new job this Thursday, and I want to take the opportunity to save money and learn accounting. I can not handle being boxed in all 8 hours everyday. I wish you the very best.

 

[SpiritFree]

I'm self-employed and that avoids a lot of problems. Any chance your skill set would work for something...

Scout86, I agree for all of us suffering. Starting our own business helps avoids the pitfall the corporations has placed on us with no mercy on our condition.

 

[SeanCharles]

That's the trap I am in now at the moment. I did get a phone call regarding my disability application and work. I am going to follow up tomorrow morning! I need to do some financials as I do have some Impaired working expenses that I have not disclosed previously to Social Security which may finally get over this first Hurdle. The next one will be health/medical piece. It's the fact that I am stuck working which has been my current issue. We'll see...

 

[UnKnown-Self]

@HappyJock
Having the ability to write well enough to be hired as a journalist means you have a very adaptable skill to utilize.
Have you thought of freelancing or any other area you could use your skill?

Just a thought. Best to you on your journey.