Dissociation (CPTSD) from client aggression (work)

Thanks @Faith-and-Hope, I appreciate it.

I've not been in a good state - my distress, despair & heightened anxiety (emotional flashbacks) have been intense & overwhelming.

Which triggers further dissociation, & inability to think or act clearly.

I'm hanging in there, it's rough.

Adge

Yes @Faith-and-Hope, thanks for asking.

Sometimes it seems like so long between appointments, even though it's really only a few weeks.

Phoning a support (crisis) phone line sometimes helps (which my psych encouraged me to do) - although when dissociated I often cannot articulate the words (express myself), to be able to make the phone call.

Adge

My work region (east metro) has suddenly been merged with another region (south?), & the branch manager was made redundant (accepted a redundancy package) - she left without notice, & no goodbyes.

The new regional base of operations will be located much further away, when my current work base is already a very long drive from home.

I have lost a lot of sleep, every night this past week - due to heightened anxiety & troubled thoughts.

Dissociation is more of an issue at the moment, as a result of stress.

I need a break, I haven't had a holiday (time off) of more than one week in several years. I cannot deal with any more of these unexpected legistical hurdles.

I've applied for time off (several weeks), although I felt I had to give work one month's notice - I don't know if I can hold out that long.

It's an online leave application process - since there is no manager now at the moment, I don't know who will see my leave application to (hopefully) approve it...

Adge

Hi everyone.

It was surprising to find that I have experienced at least 14 of the listed causal events for PTSD (iRest PTSD Program) – some of them several times, or over a prolonged period.

About the only events that I have not experienced are Armed combat, war, or a natural disaster.

I didn’t realise that you can have only one or two of the symptoms (listed) on a regular basis, & still have PTSD – I experience nearly all of the symptoms on a regular basis.

Adge

Hyper-vigilance is the other end of the pendulum (spectrum) from dissociation. Most people with PTSD have both at some point.

I find that the unpredictability & stress of working with challenging behaviours (clients) at work repeatedly triggers hyper-vigilance.

Then I come home to living alone, with no company or face to face support of my own - after supporting other people throughout each day.

The last few days have been especially hard. Despair & hopelessness.

Self-care is very very hard, when so utterly drained.

Adge