PTSD can have a debilitating effect on every aspect of your life, including your career. The flashbacks, anxiety, and isolation that are common symptoms of PTSD can make it difficult to focus on work or even to hold down a job.
PTSD can also make it hard to relate to co-workers and can lead to problems with authority figures. In some cases, PTSD can even cause you to lose your job. If you’re struggling with PTSD, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional. In this article, we’ll explore the query “PTSD ruined my career”.
With treatment, you can learn to manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling life. Don’t let PTSD ruin your career. Seek help today.
What is Career Trauma?
Career trauma is a type of psychological trauma that can occur when an individual experiences a significant event or series of events in their professional life. Career trauma can have a lasting impact on an individual’s mental and emotional health, as well as their ability to function in their job.
Some common examples of career trauma include being laid off, experiencing workplace bullying, or witnessing a traumatic event such as a violent act. While career trauma can be devastating, there are ways to cope with the aftermath and rebuild your life.
With time, support, and self-care, it is possible to recover from career trauma and move on to a healthy and successful future.
Work-Related PTSD Symptoms that Limit YourAbility To Work
PTSD can be a debilitating disorder, and it’s not just soldiers who experience it. Work-related PTSD can be just as debilitating, if not more so since it can impact our ability to earn a living.
Here are a few most significant work-related PTSD symptoms that have a destructive impact on our lives:
- Inability to concentrate
- Difficulty completing tasks
- Memory problems
- Inability to handle stress
- Avoiding work or social situations
- Trouble sleeping or nightmares
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Feeling jumpy or on edge
- Recurrent, intrusive thoughts about the event
- Flashbacks or memories of the event
- Isolation from friends and family
- Intense physical or emotional reactions when reminded of the event
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, and chest pain
Can You Get PTSD From Losing a Job?
PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a mental health condition that can be caused by exposure to a traumatic event, such as combat, a natural disaster, or sexual assault. PTSD can also be triggered by losing a job.
The loss of a job can be devastating, leading to feelings of shame, worthlessness, and despair. These feelings can be so overwhelming that they interfere with your ability to function at work and in your personal life.
In some cases, the trauma of losing a job can lead to PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance of people and places associated with job loss. If you are struggling to cope with the loss of a job, it is important to seek professional help.
PTSD is a treatable condition, and there are many resources available to help you recover from this type of trauma.
6 Stressful Jobs To Avoid For Someone With PTSD
There are many jobs that can be harmful to those suffering from PTSD. Here are six jobs to avoid:
1. Air Traffic Controller
The job of air traffic controller is filled with stress and long hours. This can be a difficult job for someone with PTSD to handle.
2. ER Doctor
The ER is a place where people are often in pain and emergencies happen frequently. This can be a challenging environment for someone with PTSD.
3. Police Officer
The job of a police officer is often filled with traumatic events. This can be difficult for someone with PTSD to handle.
4. Soldier
Soldiers are often exposed to traumatic events during their time in the military. This can be difficult for someone with PTSD to handle.
5. Firefighter
Firefighters often see traumatic events, such as fires and accidents. This can be difficult for someone with PTSD to handle.
6. Paramedic
Paramedics often see traumatic events, such as accidents and injuries. This can be difficult for someone with PTSD to handle.
5 Best Jobs for Someone With Complex PTSD
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best job for someone with complex PTSD will vary depending on that person’s specific needs and strengths. However, some occupations that could be a good fit for someone with complex PTSD include:
1. Social Worker
Social workers help people who are facing difficult challenges in their lives. They provide support and guidance to clients and work to help them resolve any issues they are facing. Social workers with experience in working with clients who have complex PTSD may be especially suited for this career.
2. Mental Health Counselor
Mental health counselors provide counseling and therapy to people who are experiencing mental health issues. They can help clients manage their symptoms, deal with difficult emotions, and work through trauma. Experienced counselors who have worked with clients with complex PTSD may be best suited for this career.
3. Psychologist
Psychologists diagnose and treat mental health disorders. They help clients manage their emotions, understand their thoughts and behaviors, and work through traumatic experiences. Psychologists who have experience in treating clients with complex PTSD may be best suited for this career.
4. Psychiatric Nurse
Psychiatric nurses work with patients who are dealing with mental health issues. They provide care and support to patients, assist in diagnosis and treatment, and provide education on mental health topics. Nurses with experience in working with clients who have complex PTSD may be best suited for this career.
5. Rehabilitation Counselor
Rehabilitation counselors help people who are recovering from injuries or illnesses that have resulted in a disability. They work to help clients regain as much independence as possible, and improve their overall quality of life. Counselors who have experience working with clients who have complex PTSD may be especially suited for this career.
These jobs allow for meaningful work that can make a difference in people’s lives, while also providing a degree of stability and support.
4 Effective Ways To Recover From a Career Trauma
1. Apply Self-Care
The last thing you want to do when you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or burnt out from work is to take care of yourself. It can feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to focus on your own well-being when you’re trying to maintain a career.
However, self-care is essential for both your mental and physical health. When you don’t take care of yourself, it’s only a matter of time before you start to feel the negative effects of stress.
If you’ve experienced a traumatic event at work, it’s important to take the time to recover both physically and emotionally. Here are some self-care tips that can help you recover from a career trauma:
- Get plenty of rest: When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event, your body needs time to heal. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep every night and taking breaks during the day to rest.
- Eat healthily: Eating unhealthy foods can make you feel sluggish and low on energy. fuelling your body with nutritious food will give you the energy you need to heal and cope with stress.
- Exercise: Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Even if you don’t feel like it, try to get moving for at least 30 minutes every day.
- Talk to someone: Talking to a therapist or trusted friend can help you process your emotions and start to heal. Sometimes it’s helpful to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through.
- Take breaks: When you’re dealing with a lot of stress, it’s important to take some time for yourself every day. Whether it’s reading, listening to music, or taking a walk outdoors, find something that helps you relax and rejuvenate.
By following these self-care tips, you can start on the road to recovery after experiencing career trauma. Remember that it takes time to heal both physically and emotionally, so be patient with yourself as you cope with this difficult situation.
2. Pinpoint The Roots of Trauma
It’s not uncommon to experience some form of trauma during your career. Whether it’s being laid off, passed over for a promotion, or experiencing a major project failure, these events can take a toll on your mental and emotional health. If you’re struggling to cope with a recent career trauma, here are some tips to help you recover:
- Acknowledge your feelings: It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, frightened, or angry after experiencing a traumatic event. Allow yourself to process these emotions in whatever way feels best for you.
- Seek professional help: If your feelings of anxiety or depression are preventing you from functioning normally, consider seeking counseling or therapy. A professional can help you work through your emotions and develop coping mechanisms for dealing with future stressors.
- Stay connected to your support network: Lean on your friends and family for emotional support Take care of yourself physically. Get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet. Taking care of your body will help improve your overall mood and well-being.
Experiencing a career trauma can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that you can get through it. By taking care of yourself emotionally and physically, you can begin the process of healing and move forward with your life.
3. Set Boundaries
We have all heard the saying “time heals all wounds.” This is especially true when it comes to our careers. Sometimes we experience a traumatic event that can leave us feeling shell-shocked and lost.
Maybe we get laid off unexpectedly, or we are passed over for a big promotion. Whatever the case may be, it is important to remember that these events do not define us. We can recover from them and even come out stronger on the other side.
Here are some tips for how to recover from a career trauma:
- Give yourself time to grieve: Whether you were expecting the event or not, it is still normal to feel sad, scared, and angry. Allow yourself to experience these emotions and don’t try to bottle them up.
- Talk about what happened: It can be helpful to talk about your experience with someone who will understand and can offer support. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or career coach.
- Create a plan of action: Once you have processed the event and are ready to move forward, it can be helpful to create a plan of action. This might include updating your resume, networking with people in your industry, or taking classes to gain new skills. Having a plan will help you to feel more in control and excited about the future.
- Focus on the positive: It can be easy to dwell on the negative aspects of what happened but try to focus on the positive as well. What did you learn from the experience? How did it make you stronger? What are you grateful for? Focusing on the good will help you to see the situation in a more positive light and will keep you moving forward.
4. Disconnect From Technology
Technology has made it possible to be connected to work 24/7. And while this can be a good thing in some respects, it can also be a recipe for burnout. If you’re feeling overloaded and stressed out, it may be time to disconnect from technology and take a break. Here are some tips on how to do just that:
- Schedule some “unplugged” time: Make sure to schedule some time each day when you’re not allowed to use any electronic devices. This will help you to unwind and relax.
- Get outside: Spend time in nature, and disconnect from the digital world. Take a walk, go for a run, or just sit in the park and people-watch. fresh air and scenery can do wonders for your mental health.
- Talk to someone: Don’t bottle up your feelings. If you’re struggling, talking to a friend, family member, therapist, or other trusted confidante can help you to feel better and get back on track.
- Do something fun: Make sure to schedule some time for activities that you enjoy outside of work. This will help you to remember that there’s more to life than your job. Whether it’s going to the movies, taking a cooking class, or playing with your kids or pets, make sure you’re making time for fun.
Disconnecting from technology can help you to reduce stress, recharge your batteries, and get back on track. By following these tips, you can make sure that you’re able to recover from a career trauma and get back to enjoying your life.
Conclusion
PTSD can have a profound and long-lasting impact on your career. The symptoms of PTSD can make it difficult to concentrate, stay organized, and complete tasks. As a result, you may find it difficult to keep up with the demands of your job.
PTSD can also lead to absenteeism, as well as increased stress and anxiety. In severe cases, PTSD can even lead to job loss. If you are struggling with PTSD, it is important to seek professional help.
With treatment, you can learn to manage your symptoms and improve your ability to function at work. PTSD does not have to ruin your career. With treatment and support, you can overcome this challenge and build a successful future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur after someone has been through a traumatic event. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, feeling isolated, and avoiding anything that might remind you of the event.
Can PTSD ruin my career?
Yes, PTSD can absolutely ruin your career. It can lead to problems with concentration, memory, and making decisions.
This can make it difficult to do your job effectively or even complete essential tasks. It can also lead to relationship difficulties and social isolation.
What is the best job for someone with PTSD?
1. Working from home is a great option for someone with PTSD because it reduces exposure to potential triggers and provides more control over the environment.
2. A job that requires minimal contact with others or has very strict guidelines regarding interactions may also be beneficial. Examples of such jobs include online tutoring, data entry, editing, virtual assistant, and customer service.
3. A job that allows regular contact with animals can also be helpful for someone with PTSD as this may provide comfort, joy, and stress relief. Examples of such jobs include pet grooming, veterinary assistant, animal trainer, or kennel worker.
4. Working outdoors is another great option for those with PTSD as it provides exposure to natural elements, which can be calming and therapeutic. Examples of outdoor jobs include landscaping, gardening, trail maintenance, or park ranger.
5. Lastly, a job that involves helping others can also be beneficial for someone with PTSD as it can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Examples of such jobs include social work, coaching, counseling, or teaching.
How does PTSD affect your career?
1. PTSD can have a profound effect on one’s career as it can cause difficulty with concentration, memory, and decision-making.
2. It can also lead to an inability to handle stress or deal with difficult people in the workplace.
3. PTSD may also result in a lack of motivation, which can make it difficult to advance in one’s career.
4. Additionally, PTSD can cause difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with colleagues and supervisors, which could lead to conflicts at work.
5. Finally, it may also result in a decrease in productivity due to the physical and mental fatigue that accompanies the condition.
Can PTSD cause permanent damage?
1. PTSD can cause long-term changes in the brain and body due to persistent stress.
2. This can lead to an increased risk of physical health problems, such as heart disease, digestive issues, and chronic pain.
3. It may also contribute to mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, which can have a lasting impact on one’s well-being.
4. Additionally, PTSD can lead to difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, a lack of motivation and drive, and an inability to cope with everyday stressors.
5. These effects may be compounded over time if the condition is left untreated or managed improperly.
Can complex PTSD stop you from working?
1. Complex PTSD can cause severe impairments in functioning, which can make it difficult or impossible to work.
2. Symptoms such as intense fear, flashbacks, nightmares, and difficulty regulating emotions can interfere with one’s ability to focus and concentrate on the task at hand.
3. Additionally, complex PTSD can lead to an inability to manage stress, form and maintain relationships, and handle criticism in the workplace.
4. It can also lead to feelings of hopelessness, depression, and anxiety which can further impair one’s ability to perform job duties.
5. As such, complex PTSD may prevent someone from being able to work or pursue career opportunities due to the severity of the condition.
Can I lose my job for having PTSD?
1. As long as job performance and attendance are not affected, having PTSD should not result in losing one’s job.
2. However, if the symptoms of PTSD become overwhelming and begin to interfere with work responsibilities, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional in order to prevent further disruption at work.
3. Additionally, employers are legally obligated to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with mental health issues, such as flexible work schedules or modified job tasks.
4. It is also important for those with PTSD to communicate openly and honestly with their employers in order to ensure that they have the support they need to be successful at work.
5. Ultimately, employees with PTSD should not be afraid of disclosing their condition as long as they take the necessary steps to ensure that it does not interfere with job performance.
Do most people with PTSD recover?
Most people with PTSD can recover and learn to manage their symptoms with proper treatment. Treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, self-care strategies, and lifestyle changes.
With support from family, friends, and mental health professionals, many individuals are able to gain greater insight into their condition and develop coping skills that help them cope with daily stressors.
What are three unhealthy coping skills for PTSD?
1. Drinking alcohol or using other substances to numb emotional pain or reduce symptoms of PTSD.
2. Avoiding people or activities that could trigger PTSD-related memories and emotions.
3. Engaging in self-destructive behaviors such as lashing out at loved ones, engaging in risky behavior, or neglecting personal care.
How do I rebuild my life after PTSD?
1. Seek professional help from a mental health provider to develop healthy coping strategies and manage symptoms of PTSD.
2. Find support from family, friends, or a support group of individuals who have also experienced trauma.
3. Make self-care a priority by engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation such as yoga, meditation, gardening, or taking a nature walk.
4. Develop healthy routines such as eating well and getting regular exercise to help manage stress levels.
5. Make time for leisure activities that bring joy and satisfaction such as reading, spending time with loved ones, or exploring new hobbies.
6. Stay connected to the community by volunteering, joining a support group, or attending regular social gatherings.
7. Practice mindfulness to help keep thoughts and emotions in perspective and focus on the present moment.
8. Set realistic goals for yourself and celebrate your successes along the way.
What can I do if I think I have PTSD?
If you think you have PTSD, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. There are treatments available that can help you manage your symptoms and reclaim your life.
There are also support groups available for people with PTSD where you can share your experiences with others who understand what you’re going through.
References:
M. Skogstad, M. Skorstad, A. Lie, H. S. Conradi, T. Heir, L. Weisæth (26 March 2013). Work-related post-traumatic stress disorder. https://academic.oup.com/occmed/article/63/3/175/1413569
Keti Simmen-Janevska,* Veronika Brandstätter, and Andreas Maercker (2012 Oct 31). The overlooked relationship between motivational abilities and posttraumatic stress: a review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3486959/
Debbie Huang, Xiaoran Wang, and Winnie Kung ( 2019 Sep 2). The Impact of Job Loss on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Asian Americans: 11–12 Years After the World Trade Center Attack. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7485925/