Can You Work With PTSD? Understanding How PTSD Affects Daily Function

PTSD is often associated with military veterans, and it is more common in this population than others with one in eight struggling with the condition. But, anyone who has experienced trauma, including abuse, sexual assault, vehicle accidents, natural disasters, life-threatening illness, and other terrible situations, may develop PTSD. The symptoms include:

• Intrusive memories. This can take the form of persistent thoughts and memories of trauma, flashbacks that make you feel as if you are reliving the experience, nightmares, and distress when faced with anything that reminds you of the trauma.
• Avoidance. PTSD causes people to avoid any thing, person, event, or place that reminds them of trauma. It is also common to avoid talking about the experience at all.
• Unstable reactions and behaviors. You may get startled easily and be jumpy and on guard constantly for a source of danger. PTSD can make sleeping or focusing on tasks difficult. It can also trigger anger and aggressive outbursts as well as self-destructive behaviors.
• Negative thoughts and moods. This may include a negative outlook on the world, loss of interest in activities, difficulty with relationships and socializing, feelings of hopelessness, or even emotional numbness.

The intensity of symptoms of PTSD can vary a lot. One day you may feel fine until a loud noise triggers a flashback, for instance. More stress in general can also worsen symptoms.

The symptoms of PTSD can be severe and debilitating. You may have good days but also periods of time when you simply can’t function normally. When you are constantly on the lookout for danger, susceptible to terrifying memories and flashbacks, and emotionally unstable, doing normal, everyday activities becomes extremely challenging.

In most people with PTSD, especially those not benefitting from treatment, the symptoms have a ripple effect and cause a number of serious complications. For instance, people with PTSD are at an increased risk for mood disorders like depression or anxiety disorders. They are also more likely to struggle with substance abuse and to have neurological difficulties, like headaches, memory loss, and symptoms of dementia. Other potential complications of PTSD include:

• Suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Accidents and injuries
• Legal problems
• Damaged relationships
• Poor performance at work or school
• Financial problems
• Poor physical health
• Homelessness

It’s clear that the symptoms of PTSD can lead to a number of very serious complications that impact how a person functions on a daily basis. It’s hard to go through the chores and responsibilities of a job when there are scary memories butting into your thoughts or if you feel like you need to watch out for danger around every corner.

Things like depression and low mood, difficulty interacting with others, substance use, and avoiding triggers that remind you of trauma can all impact your ability to do a job well, if at all. For too many people living with PTSD, it is not possible to work while struggling with its symptoms and complications.

Some people do continue to work and are able to function for a period of time. They may have milder symptoms or be more able to hide their negative emotions and thoughts from others. They may also have more difficulties alone or when at home at night. But, eventually, without treatment the symptoms will only get worse, function will deteriorate, and even these high-functioning individuals will no longer be able to hold down a job.

There is hope, though, because the symptoms of PTSD don’t have to last forever. If you engage in dedicated treatment, you can process trauma in a healthy, productive way. Treatment can restore function and allow you to work and support yourself again.