[dhope]

so, I am feeling better, hubby says my personality is more 'like me', I am unsure. When I tried to go back to work 2 weeks ago it didn't work out so well, how do I know when/if I am ready??? This is all so confusing ...

[Mark in Idaho]

dhope,

What kind of problems did you have when you tried going back to work?

What symptoms are you still having, even if they are very minor and infrequent?

What kind of work do you do?

What tasks are involved in a full day of work?

What kind of environment do you work in?
Lots pf people/voices? Loud sounds? Lots of physical movements?
Anything else that you can tell us about your work environment?
List even the little things that happen during the day.

[dhope]

I find that lights and noise bother me -- when exposed too long I am unable to speak, the words get lost. My memory is still scant and I just feel as though I am myself -- I work in a high stress toxic environment that on a good day (before accident) I would feel the stress. I do counselling for a medical facility, need to keep track of who says what when == when I did go back to work I got really tired, confused, profound memory loss, headache as well as pressure --

[Mark in Idaho]

I doubt you will be ready to work in an auditory environment. Your sensitivity to sound likely means your brain is struggling with auditory processing. Your auditory memory is also likely a problem.

If you could do some very simple one on one counseling and can limit your clients to very simple communication, no emotional and complex discussion, you may be able to slowly build your tolerance to work. Group counseling will be extremely problematic until you recover to a high level.

A Neuro Psych Assessment would be worthwhile to determine your actual capabilities and weaknesses.

The toxic qualities of your work environment will be your biggest struggle unless you can get your management to set up some protective systems for you.

My best to you.