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PTSD and Work - sorry, a bit of a rant :(

2 replies

edwardcullensotherwoman · 01/04/2011 12:46

DH is suffering from delayed PTSD, after witnessing a horrific incident several years ago (by witnessing I mean he was about 3 feet away from the incident).

Recently some changes in work have caused him to have flashbacks, and he's been diagnosed with PTSD by the GP. He's awaiting counselling.

His main duties at work are inbound telephone calls, which he is finding increasingly difficult to manage. 5 weeks ago he wrote a letter to his boss requesting a temporary change in duties in light of his recent diagnosis, and offered to obtain written confirmation of the diagnosis.

Boss said no need for that, an OH referral would be done. OH referral done, report recommended a change in duties.

Boss then says, sorry, we can't do that, we need confirmation from the GP, and further information about the condition.

So DP gets the confirmation, which stated he should be removed from telephone duties (at cost because it's a private paper) and gives detailed information about the condition and why it is affecting him now. All this could have been requested from the OH service.

They've now said they can't make a decision until next week.

I am so annoyed. DH is trying his hardest to stay in work and not go off sick, but that seems to be going against him. Also, the stress they are causing by not listening to him (and have made it seem as if they don't believe him on several occasions) is just making him worse.

Sorry for such a long post, I just felt like I needed a rant, which I can't do with DH as he's feeling bad enough being in the middle of it all.
Has anyone ever had an issue with employers and mental health issues not being taken seriously?

OP posts:
edwardcullensotherwoman · 01/04/2011 12:46

Wow, a really long post, thanks if you made it to the end Smile

OP posts:
Keziahhopes · 04/04/2011 01:23

Gosh - that is awful, if they insisted on OH they should follow the OH report totally. Have you considered contacting the OH your husband went to see and tell them that they ignored the OH report, insisted your dh got a private Gp report (which work should pay for!!!) and still have done nothing? You might find OH rather helpful.

I had to be "sent" to OH several years ago -due to mental health issues as I was signed off work once for a 4 week period by my GP. Work used it as a threat to me, no one else got sent to OH for longer absences if physical health, however OH were wonderful, told me I had been dreadfully bullied etc etc and insisted on a phased return to work and said if I had any problems go straight back to them. (I have since changed jobs to reduce commute!!)

So if OH were supportive then I would really use them for help. If DH in a Union I would also involve them and ensure no costs involved - work dont' like paying, so I would ensure they were inconvenienced. I also learnt that at any meetings I had the right to a representative - union rep or colleague, which meant there was a witness to anything that was said which was helpful.

All the best.

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