Out on FMLA - Anxiety and PTSD

Nurses Disabilities

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Specializes in General adult inpatient psychiatry.

I've been placed on FMLA by Employee Health after a patient attacked me last week. My anxiety has been increased and I've been having panic attacks. I left work yesterday after what felt like a continuous panic attack while in a meeting. I need to see my doctor but I'm on FMLA and off of the schedule for at least 2 weeks. I don't know what to do with my time other than see my MD and increase my talk therapy sessions. Any feedback?

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Specializes in 10.

I am sorry, you went through something so terrible. I also have anxiety but I can assure you it does get better. I have found that going to a therapist has helped, I had to get out the issue and try to notice what my personal triggers are. I hope you feel better soon.

Use the time off to reflect, and see if you want to return to such a environment.

Best wishes Doll:heartbeat

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Specializes in Infectious Disease, Neuro, Research.

Hi, chrissy. You may find some things here that will help in dealing with this:http://www.thesurvivorsclub.org/news-and-articles/blogs/

I highly recommend the book, to me the site is a bit overwhelming and broad-spectrum for me.

Some things to keep in mind: its only been a week or so. The shakes are normal for a month or so. If you've ever experienced another trauma (car wreck, broken bone(s), fight, what have you), you might mention it to your counsellor. Sometimes going back, and talking about how event X was resolved, or how it differs from what just happened, will give you some insights.

Traumatic experiences are "traumatic" because we have not anticipated their occurence, i.e., we haven't done a mental walk-through(or, at least that's the concensus of a growing number of pysch people). It isn't a matter of "fault", bad things happen to everyone at some point. Developing a way to incorporate those events into our lives, without them becoming the focus of life is (IME) the biggest part of what is glibly referred to as, "finding closure."

Amanda Ripley is another author with some solid insights:

http://www.amazon.com/Unthinkable-Survives-When-Disaster-Strikes/dp/0307352900/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322773693&sr=8-1

So, I guess I'm suggesting reading to fill your time...:) Barnes & Noble has both of these & their cheese cake isn't half bad...

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Specializes in General adult inpatient psychiatry.
Hi, chrissy. You may find some things here that will help in dealing with this:http://www.thesurvivorsclub.org/news-and-articles/blogs/

I highly recommend the book, to me the site is a bit overwhelming and broad-spectrum for me.

Some things to keep in mind: its only been a week or so. The shakes are normal for a month or so. If you've ever experienced another trauma (car wreck, broken bone(s), fight, what have you), you might mention it to your counsellor. Sometimes going back, and talking about how event X was resolved, or how it differs from what just happened, will give you some insights.

Traumatic experiences are "traumatic" because we have not anticipated their occurence, i.e., we haven't done a mental walk-through(or, at least that's the concensus of a growing number of pysch people). It isn't a matter of "fault", bad things happen to everyone at some point. Developing a way to incorporate those events into our lives, without them becoming the focus of life is (IME) the biggest part of what is glibly referred to as, "finding closure."

Amanda Ripley is another author with some solid insights:

http://www.amazon.com/Unthinkable-Survives-When-Disaster-Strikes/dp/0307352900/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322773693&sr=8-1

So, I guess I'm suggesting reading to fill your time...:) Barnes & Noble has both of these & their cheese cake isn't half bad...

I actually have The Survivor's Club, so I'll re-read that this week. I have already had a traumatic event - was stranger raped in 2008 and worked on that through therapy. It just really caught me off guard because I wasn't expecting to be so triggered bythis sentinel event at work. I'm also talking to my therapist who is being supportive

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Physical exercise can also be helpful -- are you already involved in some form of regular exercise? If not, this would be a good time to start something (while you have plenty of free time).

Best wishes :balloons:

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Specializes in General adult inpatient psychiatry.
Physical exercise can also be helpful -- are you already involved in some form of regular exercise? If not, this would be a good time to start something (while you have plenty of free time).

Best wishes :balloons:

I never thought of that! I don't have the $$$ to join the Y or something, but I could pick up running or walking with my dogs. My care providers always ask if I do exercise, and wouldn't it be nice to say "yes!". Thanks, elkpark.

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