Thread: work and PTSD
View Single Post
 
Old Jun 12, 2014, 05:44 PM
doglover1979 doglover1979 is offline
Member
 
Member Since: Sep 2013
Location: massachusetts
Posts: 367
Quote:
Originally Posted by seesaw View Post
My work is so triggering. I even took a two month medical leave to do intense treatment for my PTSD and reintegrate back into work. Now I'm back at work and I swear it's even worse than when I left. My boss, who is the Executive Director, and the HR Director, who both know I am diagnosed with PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, and Panic Disorder, seemed to do everything possible to be inconsiderate, unsympathetic, and confrontational on my first day back. They triggered me so badly, even though I was trying my CBT techniques, I had to call my therapist and ask for an emergency appointment. Fortunately, he had my regular time open.

When I met with him we talked about the job and I finally accepted, with great relief, that maybe it's just time to let this job go. I've tried very hard to make it work at this place (and I haven't had these issues at other places), but unfortunately our HR person and our Executive Director just have 1) no clue how to deal with HR and 2) our HR person is super passive aggressive and likes to gaslight and she's just like my mother, who abused me through my whole childhood and basically caused this PTSD.

I felt such great relief yesterday when I decided it was time to start looking for other opportunities. Even just the idea of looking made me feel empowered. I worked hard during medical leave to make my home a safe place that I even feel comfortable inviting people into, not making it a secret place. I'm not going to go work for 9 hours a day in a mentally unsafe environment...I won't survive.

So yes, work can be extremely triggering, especially since there are so many triggering a$$holes out there.

Seesaw
Work fueled the worst PTSD meltdown I could ever imagine. I tried to push through the triggers and worked harder and harder, and as a result my life just got worse. I finally fell apart. I ended up quitting as a result of a mental health emergency.

Good for you! You are taking charge, that is something to be proud of! I know it must be scary, but you are absolutely doing the right thing by taking care of yourself.
Thanks for this!
8Green48