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After 25 1/2 years as a police officer I fell ill with d...

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Guest
Guest

After 25 1/2 years as a police officer I fell ill with depression late in 2005. Initially it was diagnosed as short term but we are now 8 months down the line and my PTSD has now been recognised. My GP has been a great support, but the occupational health department of my force less so - I can only think this is fiscal. I am now awaiting treatment on the NHS and a decision whether I am to be retired from the police. PTSD is real and even the strongest of us can suffer. I seem to have dealt with more than my fair share of horrible deaths, including those of children and babies and, maybe, this made me more likely to fall ill. I also used to 'switch off' when dealing with these things - I suppose it was just a matter of time before everything went bang. Luckily things are much better now and officers get the back up and support they need at traumatic times.

Finally - sorry if this is disjointed but 60mg of Prozac doesn't help your thinking skills...

[i:bb51e93644]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:bb51e93644]

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi

    you say your GP has been good, I assume that they have arranged "councelling" for you, as my GP surgery had their own councillor link, ie rather than wait indefinately for the specialist ptsd treatment.

    I found that the weekly "chat" with the councillor while waiting to see the specialist did help in a very small way, and she did offer me some insight and publications to read. The councillor will not solve your problems or help you like the specialists but will help you in the meantime.

    I do hope you have relatives to offer support and understanding as well.

    Take care.

    [i:d46ce9aaf5]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:d46ce9aaf5]

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi,

    thanks for your kind comments. Work did provide counselling which has helped my understanding of what is happening. It was the doctors who didn't take my injury seriously at first. My wife has been a brick - although suffering health problems herself she has been there to fight my corner.

    Thanks again,

    Paul

    [i:1befdc6f0d]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:1befdc6f0d]

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi, I was sorry to read about your PTSD. It is very real and I have been suffering from PTSD for over three and a half years. Three masked men, who used baseball bats to beat me to unconsciousness, attacked me whilst at work. I was on the waiting list for two and a half years before receiving any treatment. I have been seeing the psychologist since Christmas, but I have not made much progress. I believe some people respond to treatment better than others. I have had the condition for a long time so it may take longer than usual to go. I remain hopeful for a ful recovery. I hope you get the right treatment soon and it is successful for you.

    All the best.

    Steve

    [i:2c54fcf7b2]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:2c54fcf7b2]

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    I work for the police force as well, 77 murders in 14 years and as a result I have now had 2 years off sick. They stopped paying me and have now told me I can not have a pension as I may recover in the next 16 years and be able to go back to work for them! You are probably right in that your problems are fiscal, mine most certainly are!

    [i:984465cff1]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:984465cff1]

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    [quote:9c48802cd2=\"S. \"]I work for the police force as well, 77 murders in 14 years and as a result I have now had 2 years off sick. They stopped paying me and have now

    [i:9c48802cd2]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:9c48802cd2][/quote:9c48802cd2]

    My friend i am not suprised, i have just had my pay stopped and today was diagnosed PTSD. I am under no illusions that the business partner at my force will change his stance on me, after all im \"unsustainable\".

    You can, like i am tomorrow, applying direct to the chief for reinstatment of pay on medical grounds, i advise you do the same, i refuse to be pushed around now by them even if they have no understanding of how hard this is for me and every one else here. the laws need to change to help us not make things harder.

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    YOU can get a medical pension as any pschiatrist will state PTSD is a permanent condition
  • Pilly
    Pilly

    Posted

    [quote:f3c3f1a25b=\"Pilly\"][quote:f3c3f1a25b=\"S. \"]I work for the police force as well, 77 murders in 14 years and as a result I have now had 2 years off sick. They stopped paying me and have now told me I can not have a pension as I may recover in the next 16 years and be able to go back to work for them! You are probably right in that your problems are fiscal, mine most certainly are!

    [i:f3c3f1a25b]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:f3c3f1a25b][/quote:f3c3f1a25b]

    Hi steve and Paul,

    There needs to be better support from services for Police Officers, your all human beings with feelings and families! None of you are robots, and todays society is becoming increasingly more violent and disruptive with all the crime and drugs and thugs! Hats off to you guys, get help via Poesis teams directly via your GP for proper help and care! Pilly x[/quote:f3c3f1a25b]

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