Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) causes intense, intrusive symptoms that can make it difficult to function in the workplace, especially in settings that are triggering or high-stress. Research shows that 10.5% of men and 15.8% of women with PTSD in the US civilian population are unemployed, and veterans with PTSD are 50% more likely to be unemployed [1].
Addressing symptom severity is essential for helping with job stability, but finding the right job is also important for self-esteem, managing stress, and recovery.
Job roles that offer flexibility, consistency, and a supportive environment allow people with PTSD to manage their symptoms and foster a meaningful work experience that supports their stability and purpose.
Understanding PTSD and Its Impact in The Workplace
PTSD can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to concentrate, remember information, make decisions, and feel safe in their work environment and interactions. It can make it more difficult to handle stress and meet the challenging demands of a job. If you struggle with PTSD, it’s important to find a workplace that supports your ongoing recovery.
Some things to consider when looking for a job with PTSD, or other mental health challenges that make it hard to function, include:
- Avoid triggers. Find a job that does not involve frequent exposure to triggering situations. This is unique to you and your experience.
- Work-life balance. Consider the work schedule, workload, and overall culture of the company. A job with a demanding workload or a high-pressure environment can worsen hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD, such as anxiety, and increase the risk of burnout [2].
- Supportive employer. An understanding employer or boss who offers support and flexibility can make a significant difference. This may include the ability to take time off when needed, access to mental health resources, and accommodations in the workplace such as reduced hours or a work-from-home schedule.
Best Jobs for People with PTSD
Jobs that offer flexibility, lower stress, structure or routine, and opportunities for meaningful, impactful work are some of the best kinds of jobs for people with PTSD. Supportive employment programs such as Individual Placement and Support (IPS) increase success rates for finding and maintaining work for those with PTSD, especially veterans, compared to typical job replacement programs.
- Health and human service jobs, such as counselors and nursing, have been found to reduce symptoms of PTSD in individuals and increase feelings of fulfillment. This depends highly on each person, though, as nursing and working in mental health can also be triggering and lead to burnout.
- Wellness roles such as massage therapy, Reiki, and yoga instructors offer individuals with PTSD a calming work environment. These jobs can also help them feel fulfilled by helping heal others who suffer from trauma, pain, or stress.
- Freelance work, such as writing, photography, and graphic design, can provide flexibility and control over one’s work schedule and allow for more remote work, which can be highly helpful for those with PTSD and other mental health conditions. Creative jobs can also provide a therapeutic outlet for emotions. Research has found that expressive writing can have a positive impact on PTSD symptoms [3].
- Outdoor/physical jobs and exposure to the natural environment in a calm and engaging way can help relieve physical symptoms of PTSD. These could include jobs in gardening or landscaping, fitness training, sports coaching, an activity coordinator, or working with animals at a shelter or dog grooming [4].
Some other low-stress jobs that can be beneficial for people with PTSD include:
- Librarian
- Court Stenographer
- Florist
- Dental Hygienist
- Tutor
- Technical Writer
- Bookkeeping Clerk
What Are the Worst Jobs for People with PTSD?
The worst jobs for people with PTSD usually involve direct exposure to ongoing trauma, such as in military or emergency service roles. Studies show that paramedics have some of the highest rates of PTSD and work-related stress disorders [5]. Social work and counseling can also expose individuals to daily triggers.
Other high-stress jobs include leadership positions such as CEOs, working in tech (known for hustle culture), certain customer service roles, and those working in political journalism (war correspondents and photo journalists).
Tips for Managing PTSD at Work
Managing PTSD at work can feel isolating, overwhelming, embarrassing, and make an already long work day even more exhausting. However, it’s important to remember you are not alone, and likely there is someone else at your workplace also struggling from a trauma of their own. Below are nine tips for coping with PTSD triggers at work:
- Use grounding techniques such as the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory method, deep breathing, and feeling your feet on the floor to help you refocus on the present moment.
- Create a distraction for yourself in the moment. Listen to music, chat with a coworker, chew sour candy.
- If you can, make your workspace or office a calming environment. Add some decor to your desk that helps relieve stress, consider placing a diffuser or candle in your office. Use low, softer lighting instead of overhead fluorescent lights, which have been found to increase anxiety due to their “unnatural” and “institutional” feel [6].
- Take short breaks between tasks or during scheduled breaks. Practice deep breathing, take a short walk outside or around the office, or even meditate at your desk.
- Understand your workplace triggers and request adjustments such as moving your desk, adjusting break times, or requesting a remote or flexible schedule.
- Ask for written instructions or follow-up emails for important tasks to help with memory or focus under stress.
- Avoid excessive coffee/caffeine. This can increase physical “fight or flight” symptoms of PTSD.
- Maintain a healthy sleep routine and avoid substances that can worsen stress, such as alcohol or nicotine.
- Reach out for support. Communicate with your supervisor, trusted coworkers, or mental health professional about what support is available. They can help you request reasonable accommodations or help you find a job role that better supports your mental peace.
PTSD Workplace Accommodations and ADA Protections
If you have PTSD, depression, or other mental health conditions, you are protected against discrimination and harassment by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). You have the right to workplace privacy and may have a legal right to reasonable accommodations to help you perform and keep your job.
This means that your workplace cannot fire you, reject you for a promotion, or force you to take leave simply because you have a mental health disorder. Although, if your mental health is affecting performance, companies can usually use this as a reason for termination. The ADA also protects your privacy, meaning you don’t have to disclose your condition unless applying for accommodations or disability related benefits [7].
Helpful PTSD workplace accommodations could include:
- Flexible work hours or remote work to manage symptoms like poor sleep, physical health symptoms, and commute anxiety.
- Addictional breaks for grounding, self-care, engaging with support.
- Leave of absence for professional treatment, permitted under ADA and FMLA regulations.
- A private or quiet workspace to minimize exposure to triggering environments.
- Changes in lighting, such as using desk lamps or more natural lighting.
- Support animals in the workplace when appropriate and supported by documentation.
- Access to mental health or peer support.
How Maple Mountain Helps People Heal from PTSD
At Maple Mountain Mental Health and Wellness, we are committed to following the principles of trauma-informed care to address the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of our clients. Healing doesn’t just mean symptom management; it involves mental processing and somatic integration.
Our PTSD and complex trauma inpatient treatment combines evidence-based therapies, including EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, and Somatic Experience, with integrated wellness activities such as ceramics, painting, dance, and trauma-informed yoga. We work with you to address the impacts of unprocessed trauma and achieve lasting emotional growth and well-being.
Contact our admissions team today to regain control and begin your healing journey.
Sources
[1] Davis, L. et al. 2022. The Economic Burden of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in the United States From a Societal Perspective. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
[2] Winter, L. et al (2023). A narrative review of the physiology and health effects of burnout associated with veterinarian-pertinent occupational stressors. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10, 1184525.
[3] Shull, C. 2021. Remote Work: A Solution For Working With PTSD? DistantJob.
[4] Kaplan, S. et al. (2008). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychological Science, 19(12), 1207–1212.
[5] Dressing, H. et al. (2023). Work-related posttraumatic stress disorder in paramedics in comparison to data from the general population of working age. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in public health, 11, 1151248.
[6] Agarwal, P. 2018. How Does Lighting Affect Mental Health In The Workplace. Forbes.
[7] US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The ADA: Your Employment Rights as an Individual With a Disability.