Hey, so I'm kind of in need of some quick advice, suggestions, and/or helpful opinions from anyone involved in this industry. I'll appreciate any response. It's my 1st post, but I've been lurking through TTR forums for some time now. On to the question.
How should one go about getting psych./mental "help" while keeping their current job, or, at least, their credentials to stay driving? If I end back up in a BHU, on home time, what's the responsible thing to do regarding my company?
A little info for context.
I'm a rookie driver(10mos.) with a safe record, so far, behind the wheel. A possible issue being my mental state really seems to be trickling downhill. I mentioned "back" to a BHU(Behaviorial health unit) as I was "voluntarily" admitted 2yrs ago, and was told to continue with outpatient treatment and meds. I quit all that at once, in a moment of magical beliefs haha, last year. Also out of disappointment for the Army NG of all branches discharging me before my ETS.
I think I did a responsible thing this week and not get the truck rolling, as some strange tendencies seem to have made their way back to me. Something stopped me from potentially putting others, and company equipment, at risk. Currently sitting in my car taking a shamefully long time to type this lol.
I love driving, I kinda like OTR, but I probabaly screwed myself by not nipping strange brain things in the bud earlier. Also, I may or May not have communicated anything, verbally or written, about my health, in work-related settings, such as certain physicals, etc.
Thank you if you read this much and sorry if it's a long post.
Psych/Mental advice for a Trucking career?
Discussion in 'Driver Health' started by OddBallWhisk3y, Oct 28, 2020.
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If your meds were helping, get back to your doctor and tell them you cold turkey'd off them, and what to do next.
If you get "voluntarily" sent to a BHU on home time, well......at the very least contact your employer's Employee Assistance Plan to discuss it.
You gotta rethink this whole trucking thing. Good luck.OddBallWhisk3y and LameMule Thank this. -
Depending on where your default mental state goes, this could be a perfect job .. or a nightmare. I would get in touch with the company, tell them that you have a crisis, like a death in the family or your house burned down, NOT mental health issues. Get home, Take a few days off, get into your therapist IMMEDIATELY or sooner. Get some outside input, objective feedback, Can you do this job safely? If they think so, and you honestly agree, then maybe it's the time to get the company on board, use their EAP if they have it. If you need inpatient for setting your medication do it, if your meds impact your medical card, talk it over with your doctor.
Don't try to take some 1/2 measures, don't figure it out as you go. Get solid planning from your mental health people and follow throughhomeskillet and OddBallWhisk3y Thank this. -
But personally, I would not tell your employer any more than necessary about a mental health issue until you have decided that its appropriate to stay in the truck. If the job isn't going to be a good idea you I don't see why they need any details. Just say its not working out, move on.
91B20H8 and OddBallWhisk3y Thank this. -
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.