I suffer from PTSD from a robbery that occurred a few years ago. Needless to say I don't enjoy being startled. I just started a new job a few weeks ago, and one of the employees came by my office and scared the crap out of me by slamming down a piece of wood on the counter while I was engrossed in a task. So I am now freaking out, very shaky, and trying not to cry.

Any calming techniques since I can't exactly leave and go hide under my covers?

Any ideas on how to get this guy to stop (apparently he is quite the jokester) without coming off as a jerk and without going into detail about my issues?


Thanks so much.

Hey Dolfinwolf,

Congratulations on the new job!

I have also had problems with ptsd at the work place. For me. If I was triggered I had to take a break. Walk around a bit, drink water, go to the bathroom to get myself together (sounds funny) I also had meds I could take if I went into a panic attack or was not feeling like I could pull it together myself.

As for disclosing. I told my boss. I also let her know when I was having issues. it’s a choice. Be careful who you disclose to. My boss ended up telling other people. I had ptsd. I had people purposely pushing my buttons to watch me go off. (sad but true)

I have so much more to say but I’m apprehensive. I’m new here. I’ll open up more in time.


By the way how do you become a member of this group?

Welcome to the forum!!!
I too am nervous about disclosing information!! Thank you for your advice and support! (I noticed this group doesn't get a lot of activity)

As far as your question:
I just logged in as normal, and I think as soon as you make a certain amount of posts your "status" changes. I am also a member of the "traumatic brain injury" discussion group on here, which is how I have so many posts now.

I have also found a great forum for PTSD at psychcentral. (If you go back to neurotalk support groups, there is a link right next to PTSD group which will take you to the subforum at psychcentral)

you will have to create a new username and password since it is a different site, but it is great too!


Good luck and keep me posted!

Dolfinwolf,

Thanks for letting me know how to join. I'm also so sorry for what you have endured. I have an interview coming up. I'm a bit nervous. But trying to push myself through. I hate to be the new person at work. lol

thinking of you,
fhawn

No problem! I am sure you will find the other thread helpful too! I too, am sorry that you went through what you have. I am sending good luck thoughts your way and wishes of ace-ing your interview! If you get a moment, (after you recover from it) let me know how it goes!

Hi,

I would like some calming techniques too.

I was attacked by a patient in a nursing home on a floor I don't usually work on and this patient was supposed to be sane and he attacked me.

My regular floor I'm supposed to return to is an Alzheimer locked unit full of behaviors usually violent ones. I'm afraid when targeted as I know I will be as it's a regular occurrence, I'll shut down.

We can't go on breaks until appointed with one as we work in pairs on that floor but not the one I was attacked on....go figure.

Any tips? I'm afraid of going back and not sure I can

Kelly

Mist, and Dolfin have you tried acupuncture? It has really worked for me in the past.
If getting to an appointment is too much (like it is forme right now) sometimes rubbing the tops of your ears at the same time helps. Or focusing on your thumb and then your toe. Your thumb and then your toe.

These things can be calming in the moment. They can be very helpful.

Anxiety and PTSD are very tough to deal with I'm learning. Sometimes nothing helps. But some things do.

~S