To say why I have ptsd or not?

[tosayornot]

So manager fairly aware of problems - or at least that I've had a challenging couple of years recently

However my ptsd / anxiety came to a head recently and I wasn't at my best

I'm now seeking treatment (for which I'll need time - and space off work). When I ask for it should I say what happened in the first place (trauma - rape) or will that be seen as manipulative?

Not their business.

@SpongeBobJudgeyPants would you mind explaining a little bit - you wouldn't want to know? Or I shouldn't?

Could be used against me? (She's never going to get better, victim etc)

You don’t have to say why. You could always use a general euphemism like “life threatening event” or “attack resulting in grevious bodily harm”

If you did tell them it was rape, I can’t see how it would be seen as manipulating.

@SpongeBobJudgeyPants thank you for your response- I'm just intrigued to know where your head is at

I don’t know about manipulative I just think it isn’t really necessary. You are entitled to privacy and don’t need to explain. If this manager knows you are being treated for ptsd then they will know you have experienced trauma. You don’t owe them more.

I don't think it's necessary to disclose the specific trauma. PTSD is adequate information and makes clear you've experienced trauma anyway.

I only ever say "past experiences" or "past trauma" if I need to explain my needs or ask for adaptations. E. g. "Due to past experiences I struggle with and it is helpful if

Could be used against me? (She's never going to get better, victim etc)

Rape does have a bit of stigma still and that might happen if you say that specifically. But it would be less stigma than saying you have PTSD from

• workplace bullying
• getting arrested
• dog bite

Etc.

Can I just reassure you that this happens a lot - dealt with this today in fact - I'm hr and in this situation there is zero expectation or need for the employee to tell me what has happened to them, just to understand how we can support. The thought of stigmatising any rape victim makes me feel sick. It wouldn't happen.

We use occ health referrals which are entirely confidential- I just work with the recommendations.

You definitely don't need to disclose that to your employer. I'm so sorry you've been through this and I hope things improve for you soon

Out of interest (can't tag you curlywurly for some reason) what would the occ psych report recommend (or what kind of things would they recommend). Desk job.

I disclose less as I get older. It's information I would regard as personal to me.They don't have any right to it, and I wouldn't supply it.

I think “I need time off for my treatment for PTSD” will suffice. Your boss is not your doctor, they don’t need to know at all. Of course it’s up to you who you tell, but is by no means at all a requirement.

Thing is don't mind telling - get on well with her

Might be helpful if she understands a bit

Might not be helpful if she has underlying prejudices (some women do)

Or just thinks I'm trying to say "I messed up - here's my ace card" ( it's categorically not motivated by that- just where I am in my life now)

Also know it's got nothing to do with if I can do the job or not! That's separate

I would. I think it’s easier to shield staff from situations they may find intolerable if you can understand their condition more.

For example we had a member of staff who had PTSD from involved in a war - they never worked May Day (as we sometimes had riots at the time).
Another of our Optoms had been attacked before and felt more comfortable having the consulting room nearest reception.

You can insist that the information is kept confidential.

Am also an HR person like Curly and wanted to echo their advice that just saying you have PTSD and need support/ time off/ adjustments/an occ health referral/ whatever you need is enough info to give your employer. Absolutely no requirement or expectation to disclose what the cause of the trauma is.

As to the recommendations OH may make, well those are specific to your own health and wellbeing and involve what will help you as an individual- there's no 'set' recommendations as such.

O/H can report PTSD resulting from a traumatic experience which details will not be disclosed.