Educators with PTSD

I was diagnosed with PTSD in May of 2021. My principal and fellow teachers have been supportive but having to deal with the ignorance of Human Resources and Unum insurance has made the last 2 years absolute hell for me. I teach in a trauma informed space and I think as teachers we are responding to the complex needs of our students. But, we are continuing to mask symptoms because of the stigma and when we do seek help we are treated like we are faking or crazy. Lawyers will tell you it is nearly impossible to prove a mental health/ PTSD claim and my experience is that is absolutely true. I have tried to put together everything from medical records to build the case myself only to hear that the HR person called it "nonsense". I took a leave because of my condition in December 2021 and Unum delayed my claim for 5 months while I jumped through hoops to prove my illness. I returned to work in September 22- not on my my doctors advice but because I was told I would lose my health insurance and could no longer afford the financial strain that came from that leave. This spring I began another downward spiral and demanded that HR file a workers comp claim with MEGA. I have been on leave again since May and the HR person advised me to resign so they can post my position. My claim from MEGA has been denied even as I am in a Partial Hospitalization Program for PTSD. I financially ruined because I was never able to access the resources that should have been available to me. There is no way to recover when the people that are supposed to support you doubt your claim. I don't think I can return to teaching now, as much as I loved it the damage has been done. Teachers are having mental health issues and are expected to help our students who are in the same place. How can we provide the support they need when no one is supporting us.

Tags: community building, equity, Mental health, restorative practices

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