Just diagnosed and scared

[Bobbleheadbuddha]

I've been diagnosed with PTSD after having an on the job injury. I felt like I was going to die and this triggered something in my brain. I had slight anxiety at first but over next couple of weeks the anxiety and depression worsened. I've just started Zoloft and Klonopin. I'm looking for a therapist also.I'm going back to work tomorrow but I don't know what to expect and don't know if I can handle it. I don't know what I'll do if I lose my job. My family depends on me . They are my support system and I can't let them down. Does it get any easier when the meds fully kick in? I'm struggling. I'd appreciate any replies of support.

[Agora1]

Hi Bobbleheadbuddha, I'm happy to Welcome you to this amazing forum.

I'm sorry you suffered an injury on the job. I wish you well with your medication.

Please give it time to work. We will be here to support you. Good Luck tomorrow

in going back to work, know that we are just a message away if you need support

and a virtual hand to hold. I'm glad you are here with us. xx

[Bobbleheadbuddha in reply to Agora1]

Thank you Agora1. I feel comforted reading that. I feel strengthened reading other posts and the encouraging replies. I hope this forum helps me push forward and conquer this pain.

[Dolphin14]

Hi

I'm so sorry about your work related trauma.

How long has it been? Are you sure you are ready to go back?

I also have PTSD. Klonopin and Zoloft were the meds given to me. Are you feeling better on the meds?

When are you getting into a therapist? Trauma has got to be talked about. We have to get it out and process it all. It's very important that you start your trauma therapy as soon as possible.

With proper treatment you can feel better. Take care of yourself and be gentle with yourself.

[Bobbleheadbuddha in reply to Dolphin14]

Thank you Dolphin14. It's only been a month but my doctor is sure it's PTSD. I never had any issues with anxiety or depression before my accident.

Just started the meds 2 weeks ago so they haven't kicked in yet. Did they help you? How long did it take?

I'm using my Employee Assistance Program for some free therapy sessions until I can find one permanent.

[Dolphin14 in reply to Bobbleheadbuddha]

Hi:

I'm so sorry. I know how difficult this is. A month isn't a long time. So please don't put too much pressure on yourself. I'm glad employee assistance is helping you. It's great to have that service available.

I do remember the meds taking awhile to work, more than a couple weeks. Typically it is about 6 weeks. I also had increasing doses over that 6 week period. Ultimately I did end out on 200mg of Zoloft. I'm sure you are only on a small dose at this point? The klonopin as ordered definitely helped me settle down a bit while waiting for the Zoloft to kick in.

This sounds like a workman's comp case? Are you in the US? Is the Md making the decisions your doctor or a work related Md?

My words of advice heading back are to take it slow. Tell yourself you are ok now, you are safe. If you feel overwhelmed step away and call your employee assistance person. Let them guide you as to what to do. Don't push yourself if you become emotional. You are still processing trauma which takes time. Getting back to work is good as long as you feel ok.

Take slow deep breaths. Be mindful of how you are feeling. Step away if you need to. Be gentle with yourself

Please let us know how you do. Take care of you so you can take care of your family.

[Bobbleheadbuddha in reply to Dolphin14]

Thanks for the advice. My personal doctor is making the decision. I know this could get messy with workers comp. The guy already gave me a bit of attitude about it taking 3 months to diagnose PTSD. He's asking for my medical records now. I may have to put in for FMLA, I don't want to because it's unpaid. If only to get my meds straight and get some sleep.

[Dolphin14 in reply to Bobbleheadbuddha]

That's why I was curious about workman's comp. their goal is to get you back to work.

FMLA protects your job for 12 weeks. You should be getting workman's comp checks if you can't work.

If you go back and find it difficult you should do the FMLA and have it ready. Report immediately to employee assistance if you are having trouble. Everything needs to be documented in a comp case.

My advice would be get a psychiatrist as soon as you can as well as a good trauma therapist.

I will be thinking of you. You can get through this.

[Lycholko]

This song is like a hard situation to go through I understand how scary it can be when inside and depression go up very proud of you for actually going back to work, even after the trauma. You are very strong for doing so. I have not taken any meds, but I strongly believe that it will get easier for you. Between the medication and therapy, you will feel a lot better. You’re worried about losing your job a perfectly valid you should focus on your needs as well. If you just need to rant to somebody, my chat is open!

[Bobbleheadbuddha in reply to Lycholko]

Thanks for the encouragement. If I need to chat I'll remember that.

[LifeofBlue]

I hope that you're hanging in there well, and taking care of yourself. This is a lot to go through, so be kind to yourself and give yourself a break! The meds do take time, up to a couple of months, to fully take effect. I can tell you that Klonopin has helped me for many years, especially with being able to sleep, so I hope that you're taking a decent dose at bedtime. (Sleep is so important, and yet so elusive, in these situations!)

I hope that you're also working to get a therapist, the combo of meds and therapy really does make a difference. As someone else said above, take care of yourself, so you can take care of your family. And don't worry about suspicious bosses and other folks, keep in mind that many people just don't understand and see these things based on their own experiences. There are plenty of people here who really do understand, and are wishing you all of the best!

[Bobbleheadbuddha in reply to LifeofBlue]

Thank you for your insight. I have an appointment to start therapy. You're right. Unless this happens to you, you have no idea the pain and anguish your body goes thru. I know I certainly didn't. I'm trying to find a routine that works for me so I can still do my job and still feel good about doing it. Thanks again.