Posted by Elizabeth on August 11, 2001, at 23:06:35
In reply to Re: workplace stress and complex PTSD? » Elizabeth, posted by Mitch on August 11, 2001, at 13:41:10
> The PTSD.org "complex PTSD" webpage.
OK, I'll bookmark it for future reference.
> Sure, we are in a high-tech business and the work we do is very detailed and mistakes can be very costly. Someone I work with made a mistake (transposed ONE number) and it cost $750,000. I liken it to air-traffic control stress. The problems with the boss is a little uncomfortable and difficult to describe. Well, she is a perfectionist (borderline-OCD personality) (and unfortunately so are many of us) and has had "breakdowns" several times over the past few years.
I'm not sure that perfectionism is a "borderline" or OCD trait. There is something called obsessive-compulsive *personality* disorder (OCPD) that is very much associated with perfectionism and extreme criticalness (if that's a word < g >).
> It just feels like there is nothing you can do to *please* her. There is always something not quite right. The "rules" seem to change on a weekly basis, and what is worse it seems like she gets a perverse pleasure "changing the rules" and jumping us for it.
That sounds more "borderline-like" -- rapidly and dramatically shifting moods with corresponding shifts in world-view. (This is what the "alternating between idealisation and devaluation" criterion is getting at.)
Is she the big boss, or does she have a superior?
> She likes to play little games with everyone's head that lead you to think that you are going to get fired/disciplined, etc.
You think she's really intentionally trying to f*** with people? Or could it be a result of her extreme moodiness? I ask because a lot of people who are described as "borderline" appear to be "manipulative," although they don't intend to be -- they've just learned, in the implicit sense, that certain behaviours get certain results. This lies on the interface between "borderline" and "histrionic" character traits; it's related to a view of the world that is very black-and-white, where everything is seen in extremes and the person forms global impressions of the "big picture" or "general idea" at the cost of attention to details and specifics.
> But she knows her boundaries and how to keep from getting in trouble for it.
I'd argue that she's crossing some pretty important boundaries, just based on the amount of information you have about her personal history.
I think you and your coworkers should start keeping a log of incidents involving her. I also like Anita's advice that you keep an eye open for other job opportunities (Anita is generally smart about interpersonal situations, IMO). In general it would be good for you to work with other people who are adversely affected by your boss's behaviour, because such people often seem to polarise others into two groups, of people who support the individual and people who oppose her, respectively. Resisting the tendency to form factions like that keeps the situation from getting worse (if you and your coworkers can't agree to work together, nothing will ever get done about your boss's behaviour).
These situations are difficult, but not impossible, to resolve. The important thing, regardless of whether you're able to make things better in your current workplace or whether you end up taking another job, is that you feel you have some control over your situation.
I hope this has been of help. Be well.
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:71466
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010809/msgs/74717.html