For Vets with PTSD, Finding the Right Job is Key

Question

“I separated from the military three months ago, and am searching for my first civilian job. I experience PTSD from my time in Afghanistan, and it could impact my work occasionally. How should I bring this up with an employer? I want to be honest, but don’t want to risk not getting hired.” – Sean from Houston, TX

Answer

A New Start

Sean, this is a great question, and I feel you are empowering yourself by seeking this response. This question is asked of me often in my role as a Marriage and Family Therapist.  The first issue I ask you to consider is, will the field or industries of your interest be the most supportive for you and your situation?  Finding a new career in an industry should fit who you are as an individual. For example, I would not recommend someone who has repeated flashbacks and other intense symptoms to work in high stress environments or in an environment in which safety issues could result in someone being badly hurt or worse. This is not to say someone can never work in these environments; but I would encourage them to really explore their new self, and how to better control their PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)  related symptoms.

Being out of the military for three months, you may be having many different emotions related to leaving the military — whether or not this was the best move, and yet at the same time, excited to start a new chapter in your life.  You bring up an interesting point that your symptoms from PTSD could have an impact on your work at times.  Is this something you learned from experience, or do you suspect this may happen? Learning as much as you can about your symptoms, triggers, and effective strategies needed to regain your composure when you do experience PTSD related issues is an important first step to the reemployment process.

Knowing the Law

Reporting to an employer that you have a diagnosis of PTSD is a personal choice, and one that we each must answer independently. From my conversations with human resources professionals, the impression I am left with is this is not an issue unless you will need special accommodations to perform your job. With that being stated, I would not disclose until after a job has been offered if special accommodations will be needed.  Each one of us can have an “off day.” This does not mean we tell the employer we might get angry at these times.  Educating yourself is also an important step.  PTSD is a disability, and is covered under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

From one veteran to another, I wish you much success in the future, and remember to visit your local Goodwill for help during this journey.