CPTSD and workplace re-trauma

[Spiffy]

Hi, Im new here. After many years of recovery from CPTSD I have had a major setback and have been on stress leave since.  Interactions with a high conflict person was the trigger making my workplace which I loved a now unsafe place. It is difficult for me to differentiate what a "normal" response would be to what I would perceive as a mental health hazard. I have made a pros/cons list to applying for workcover which I will show to my GP when I am reviewed.. Fortunately I am now out of the worst of retraumatizing episode but the fear of retraumatizing is there now that I suffered such a strong response. 

[tyme]

Great to have you join us! Thank you for sharing a bit about yourself @Spiffy 

[Snowie]

Hi @Spiffy 

I have CPTSD and currently on work cover. I can understand the fear of retraumatizing. I still have flashbacks from my work place. It is something I am working on with my psych.

I hope that if you do apply for work cover that the process goes smoothly. 

Have you got any supports in place? 

[Spiffy]

Hi @Snowy, only support so far is GP. I know I need psych, possibly OT. The stress became too much and really impacted my cognitive functioning, more so than usual. Signs are good though, I can exit my home without breaking into tears and panic. Returning will be tough, I'm fragile and exhausted.

[Snowie]

Maybe you can talk to your gp about getting more support @Spiffy A good psych can help a lot.

The stress is real. I'm glad you can leave your house now. I found it difficult also. I still cannot drive past my workplace. I did once and had a panic attack.

[Spiffy]

@Snowy. Was your workplace the causation of cptsd or did you have cptsd prior to the workplace? I find this tricky to navigate with prior diagnosis. I had a good recovery journey and stable for many years.

[Snowie]

I have childhood trauma also @Spiffy. I guess you could say it was dormant for many years. I never really dealt with it.

After numerous workplace incidents, my childhood trauma came to the forefront. So I guess it was a mixture of both. It has certainly been a journey, which I guess I am still on.

[Spiffy]

You will get there @Snowy. At least you are financially supported with workcover to allow you some time for healing. Thankyou for your honesty, it definitely helps that I am not alone in this space.

[Snowie]

It does give me some comfort knowing that I am supported by workcover @Spiffy Sometimes it is a bit of an ordeal.

You are welcome, I just hope that I have helped in some way. Please know that you will always have support here, you are not alone.