Can I lose my job if I have PTSD?

Asked by: Brad Wuckert  |  Last update: January 18, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (60 votes)

PTSD in the Workplace Though some requirements are in place, and they change from time to time, the Family Medical Leave Act (FLMA) protects full-time employees from losing their job due to PTSD.

Can PTSD disqualify you from a job?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) have been amended to include chronic or episodic conditions with the intent that PTSD can trigger an employer's obligations under the laws protecting people with disabilities.

Can you fully recover from PTSD?

Yes, recovery from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is indeed possible. The process of recovery can look different for each individual and depends on various factors including the severity of the trauma, the individual's personal resilience, the quality of their support systems, and the treatments received.

How does PTSD affect work?

PTSD can affect a person's ability to work, perform day-to-day activities or relate to their family and friends. A person with PTSD can often seem uninterested or distant as they try not to think or feel in order to block out painful memories.

What support can you get for PTSD?

Anxiety and Depression Association of America. offers a list of support groups across the country for a number of different mental health conditions, including PTSD. National Alliance on Mental Illness. (NAMI) Information HelpLine provides support, referral and information on mental illness care.

Complex PTSD affects the brain long-term and can affect your closest relationships

43 related questions found

Does PTSD qualify as a disability?

You may be eligible for disability compensation if you have symptoms related to a traumatic event (the “stressor”) or your experience with the stressor is related to the PTSD symptoms, and you meet both of these requirements.

What are the 5 stages of PTSD?

What are the five stages of PTSD?
  • Impact or Emergency Stage. ...
  • Denial/ Numbing Stage. ...
  • Rescue Stage (including Intrusive or Repetitive stage) ...
  • Short-term Recovery or Intermediate Stage. ...
  • Long-term reconstruction or recovery stage.

Can I sue my employer for PTSD?

A California employer can be sued for harmful conduct for any job related stress they caused that may have caused emotional distress or emotional injuries in employees.

Should I work if I have PTSD?

At times, people experiencing PTSD may need additional time off work to reduce symptoms and support their recovery. Without a supportive employer, it can make it more difficult to stay in a job long-term. If you experience PTSD, it's important to find a job and a workplace that support your ongoing recovery.

What everyday struggles do people with PTSD face?

Trauma survivors with PTSD may have trouble with their close family relationships or friendships. The symptoms of PTSD can cause problems with trust, closeness, communication, and problem solving which, in turn, may impact the way a loved one responds to the trauma survivor.

What are the 7 symptoms of PTSD?

Arousal and reactivity symptoms
  • Being easily startled.
  • Feeling tense, on guard, or on edge.
  • Having difficulty concentrating.
  • Having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
  • Feeling irritable and having angry or aggressive outbursts.
  • Engaging in risky, reckless, or destructive behavior.

What is the best medication for PTSD?

The 3 recommended medications for PTSD are paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine. If you decide to try a medication, you will work with your provider to check on your response, side effects, and to change your dose, if needed.

Can PTSD stay with you for life?

In some cases, particularly where it is not treated, PTSD can last a very long time, perhaps the remainder of one's life. Most people with longstanding PTSD find that the symptoms are not steady in their severity. For some people, PTSD symptoms gradually fade over time.

Can you fire an employee with PTSD?

PTSD is a recognized mental disability. Individuals who have been diagnosed and are being treated for it cannot be discriminated against as a result of their condition. Conversely, those who have not been officially diagnosed, and are not being treated, may find it impossible to function in the workplace.

Will I lose my job if I go to a mental hospital?

Understanding the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

This law is known as the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA is a federal law that prevents employees from being fired due to discrimination against disabilities, which includes mental illness.

What jobs can I do if I have PTSD?

jobs for people with ptsd jobs
  • LADC. Hennepin Home Health Care2.9. ...
  • Developmental Specialist. ...
  • Caregiver (Support Staff for Couple with Disabilities) ...
  • Residential Program Manager- Chaska. ...
  • Substance Abuse Counselor- Group Facilitator. ...
  • Strengthen your profile. ...
  • DSP (Direct Support Professional) ...
  • Front Desk Receptionist.

What is the most PTSD prone job?

  • Police Officers.
  • Firefighters.
  • First Responders/Ambulance Personnel.
  • Other Healthcare Professionals.
  • Photojournalists.
  • War Correspondents.
  • PTSD and Substance Abuse.
  • References:

Does PTSD limit your ability to work?

Now, symptoms of PTSD can interfere with the individual's ability to work in numerous ways. These include memory problems, lack of concentration, poor relationships with coworkers, trouble staying awake, fear, anxiety, panic attacks, emotional outbursts while at work, flashbacks, and absenteeism.

How to tell your boss you're struggling mentally?

To start the conversation, you might say, “I want to share something with you that affects me personally and tell you what I need to stay healthy.” Mention to your manager that you've asked HR what resources are available, such as an EAP, and what accommodations are possible, he says.

What is the average payout for PTSD?

The average PTSD settlement amount is often between $10,000 and $100,000. Factors that influence the amount include injury severity, loss of income, how fault is determined, and the impact of injuries on everyday life.

Can you terminate an employee with mental health issues?

California laws on mental health and employment

The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects workers from being fired due to their mental health conditions.

How much can I sue my employer for emotional distress?

The second type of emotional distress claim is one that is worth more than $50,000 up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the factual circumstances. You would need one or more medical opinions to support this claim and be prepared to have those medical advisors testify in court.

Does PTSD get worse with age?

For some, PTSD symptoms may be worse in later years as they age. Learn how as an older Veteran, you may still be affected by your past service. There are tips to find help as well. “The PTSD will hit you hardest when you retire or you're not occupied all the time.”

How do PTSD victims feel?

Negative changes in thinking and mood

Ongoing negative emotions of fear, blame, guilt, anger or shame. Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of a traumatic event. Feeling detached from family and friends.

What not to do with someone with PTSD?

Here are some things to avoid:
  • Startling them: Unexpected loud noises, sudden movements, or surprises can trigger fear or flashbacks in people with PTSD. ...
  • Invading their personal space: Touching the person or getting too close to them without their permission can make them feel threatened and unsafe.