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PTSD cause by workplace

RoseWNew Contributor05 Oct 2026, 2:54 pm AEDT

PTSD cause by workplace

Hi I just thought I'd come here and open a discussion .. I have severe ptsd from my previous workplace ( I was medically retired 12 months ago) the last few weeks have been really difficult .. I had to move my where I had been living for basically my whole life and my home .. I live semi rural now which is better but not a cure .. I'm finding it increasingly more and more difficult to leave my house . Have meltdowns on the phone and in person with my family and husband .. get frustrated agitated and have outburst almost daily over stupid things .. I'm at a loss as to how I could ever give my life meaning again .. I'm doing all the things counselling medication breathing exercises when anxious but who am I .. I can't do anything I'm exhausted alone sad and horrible

2 replies

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In response to: PTSD cause by workplace

SnowieSenior Contributor05 Oct 2026, 3:28 pm AEDT

Re: PTSD cause by workplace

Hi @RoseW

Welcome to the Sane forums. I hope you find it a supportive place.

I have PTSD from my workplace too. I have been of work for quite awhile now.

A lot of what you have written could be my life too.

It can make life very difficult and just day to day things that others take for granted, can be so challenging to do.

Having support, meds, things in place, can help but it can be so hard at times. Just getting through each day can be exhausting.

I hope in a small way you realise that you are not alone. Myself and others understand a lot of what you are going through. It would be great getting to know you more.

In response to: PTSD cause by workplace

RadderSenior Contributor05 Oct 2026, 4:23 pm AEDT

Re: PTSD cause by workplace

Hi @RoseW, I’m wondering if you hit the nail on the head when you said “give my life meaning” and “who am I”.

Holistic care consists of attending to our biological, psychological, social and spiritual needs. The medical model usually only focuses on the first two or three. The spiritual seems to be avoided by the mental health system. It’s about religion for some people, but for most people it’s more about meaning, purpose and values - those more intangible needs in life.

So it sounds like “doing all the things” is not addressing your primary needs about who you are now and what is your purpose going forward. Please correct me if I’m getting this wrong.

Most people have heard of PTSD, but few have heard of PTG - Post Traumatic Growth.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/post-traumatic-growth

Some people gaining PTG go on to use their lived experience to help others, particularly in the peer support field.

You are likely also grieving loss of job/career/home and life as it was.

Perhaps it may help to find a good spiritual care and/or grief counsellor.

Of course, psychology (particularly EMDR) can help heal the trauma that is keeping your subconscious raw and hypervigilent.

These may help:

Please let us know your thoughts so we can understand and help better.

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