Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group
Find support with others who have gone through a traumatic experience. Whether you have chronic or acute PTSD, we are here for you.
In 2016 I stuck my neck out to see if "coming out" about being in PTSD recovery was acceptable enough now to fight the stigma. In any tenure process for a teacher, one third of the case you're supposed to make for yourself is community service. Since I'm so blessed as to be a Community Leader here on DS PTSD, I asked DS to write a letter to my tenure committee on my behalf. It was a proud moment for me.
Unfortunately, it led to backlash from members of my tenure committee. Educated academically as they may be (one even has a master's degree in psychology) they pattern their attitudes off of PTSD stigma rather than the positive facts before them about me and PTSD recovery in the workplace. Treating me with stigma in the workplace now hasn't stopped for the 4 years since my disclosure. I've had to invoke the law with my Human Resources head at work for protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act, something that was a last resort because I'm not a litigious guy.
Yesterday I found out about another slight among these years of many slights since 2016 from my bosses at work. This slight was directly related to the subject of trauma. It was derived from how she treated me at work this week (and avoided me, too) from a book she read on trauma and how she interpreted it concerning me--again, without ever talking to me though I've always made myself available. While I was teaching class, she printed some negative material off on paper and then taped it to my office door where everybody walking through the hallway, students and other instructors alike, could read it.
Talk about being stuck with a label, it was quite literal. It wasn't the first time, it happens week by week.
This and other weekly episodes like it (she tapes stuff to my office door like that on a regular basis) explain why I'm taking early retirement now. It has cost me a chance for job promotion, even though I deserve it for a book chapter published in a book on patient care 3 years ago. My work is erased by the stigma even though there are no workplace PTSD episodes to point to as the cause, just PTSD recovery that could be rewarded. Now I wish I could, but I can't take back coming out of the closet in 2016 about being a Community Leader here at DS PTSD, the toothpaste can't be put back in the toothpaste tube.
It's a sad way for me to end a 40 year teaching career dating back to when I got my first teaching job in 1980 when I was 22 years old. A lot of good things have happened over the decades in the classroom. It's hard to see it end under a false cloud of negativity just because workplace PTSD stigma still exists even today.
Just a caution to any friends among us who may be thinking of fighting the stigma coming out of the closet about a PTSD diagnosis. The stigma's still there. Fighting it is a worthy cause, just be aware.
Support welcome as I swallow hard and return to work hoping to hold my head high. Just 17 months left until I retire....
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I have 3 kids. 24. 17. 15. My 17 yr old has become super defiant. He and his 15 yr old sister have on their own decision stopped going to their dads because he and his household is so toxic.My 15 yr old and myself feel like we have to tip toe around my son who is 17. And physically towers over us and out weighs us. He has become emotionally abusive and on the verge of becoming physically...
I since the return of server PTSD symptoms two years ago, I’ve been almost brutally open and honest about my PTSD with everyone. In some cases, it’s helped and shown that the stigma is breaking. In others, I’ve been met with nothing but stigma.
To be honest, I personally believe you should report the harassment. That is unethical and unprofessional treatment from a peer and you do not deserve to be subjected to it. Your tolerance, patience and forgiveness is astoundingly miraculous. I do not know anyone I can think of that would endure such harassment in the workplace.
Your openness to come out about your PTSD and to also reveal the positive work you do for the community through DS is inspiring. That a committee cannot recognize the genuine support and service that is so desperately needed by so many as a example that should be followed by others, is inconceivable. That you have been undeservedly harassed and humiliated for doing this great service to others in crisis and need of support is unconscionable.
You deserve a plaque of honor for the generosity and gifts of support you have given everyone on DS and for your dedication to education and support outside of DS.
If I could figure out how, I’d make a plaque for you here on DS that would enduringly honor the dedication, care, support and generosity you have selflessly given all of us here.
Hugs and much love, Muji.
Thor.
I joined NEA once I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. Not knowing if I would lead a 'normal' life or need multiple appointments, I thought it best to have NEA in my corner. Do you have that available??
I'm glad you stood up to the mistreatment earlier.... we have the law for a reason. So sorry you're seeing first hand (again) why.
I wonder... do your journalism students do feature pieces? Perhaps they could interview you (as someone who has survived traumatic events and risen to help support others). There are MANY (as I'm sure you know) who have faced trauma.... other staff, even students among you.
Not one of us knew the day, time, or way we would be forced to face it. The lady taping papers to your door??? She may be facing it next week, in a few years, or have her child face it, etc. She may regret not living by the Golden Rule.
Stand strong. Continue to educate others. But do what you need to if it keeps happening. They are breaking the law.
Hugs and prayers.