Post concussion syndrome- being a teacher

[Outdoor123]

Just wondering if there are any other teachers out there with post concussion syndrome and what their advice is for managing a busy school environment/ the demanding role?

[sealiphone]

My wife was a teacher for many years and has one funny quirk, she loves boxes, when we first got together I couldn't understand why my present was always a box.

Structure is often required by someone with a brain injury so anything that can be accommodated would probably help you.

I'm not sure that you will be protected by the disability element of the Equality Act, as you don't say when you accident was. To be classified as disabled you symptoms have to be expected to last more than 12 months and have a substantive effect on 'day to day life'. The Equality Act would give you extra rights in the workplace, if you're in a union that would be my first port of call.

Obviously this will depend on the kids but being honest and they can be brilliant, one gay friend was concerned about the children finding out, as he was aware rumors were spreading. Direct approach, he revealed the truth and the kids have been incredibly supportive.

[Outdoor123 in reply to sealiphone]

Thanks so much for your reply. All useful advice. After initially being very open with management, I'm currently very cautious not too share too much with anyone in work as I want to try and 'ride out' what I hope is remainder of symptoms without any lasting changes to my job role, if I'm seen to not be being able to fulfil it. I do think you're very right that it would be more helpful if the children knew more. I will look into the equality act, it's currently around 9 months since my injury. Thanks for your advice.

[sealiphone in reply to Outdoor123]

Certainly being open to your employer is usually advisable, I've heard stories where the employer is unaware and made presumptions that their employee has lost interest and become bored with the job.

[oliver1234 in reply to Outdoor123]

I am in work , not a teacher , but a health professional.

There has been changed to job role and it continues. I’m also in a similar position as you. I didn’t return to work fully until 2 years after my injury. Where it will end/ stop, I don’t know .

Really, I hope it goes well for you.

[Outdoor123 in reply to oliver1234]

That not knowing where it will end/ stop is the tricky bit. Such a hard balance to manage all the time. I hope things get better for you too. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

[sealiphone in reply to Outdoor123]

The Equality Commission site contains a wealth of information:

equalityni.org/Individuals/...

Particularly useful are the sections giving advice to employers regarding their legal duties.

My friend had PCS and the Neurologist declared PCS does not last more than 12 months. Regardless of whether this is true or not it does seem to be the common consensus in the UK.

He was referred to a Clinical Psychologist who also stated not PCS, as over 12 months, and he was given a diagnosis of PTSD.

[Outdoor123 in reply to sealiphone]

Thanks for the information. I’ve not heard of that. It would be great if PCS didn’t last more than 12 months..thanks for taking the time to share the link.

[sealiphone in reply to Outdoor123]

There has to be the question, should you be back at work if your symptoms are causing you real problems.

It's more straightforward when it's a brain injury, as the accepted general understanding is, at least 12 months before significant repair can be achieved.

[FormerWakeboard]

Are you still about Outdoor123? I find myself in a similar position at the beginning of symptoms