Following a concussion or brain injury, deciding whether or not to take time off from work can be tricky. Of course we all want financial stability, and for some of us, not working means not paying bills. On the other hand, it can be challenging to recover if working exacerbates your symptoms, and then you must go home and manage household tasks in addition to attending necessary medical appointments, completing therapy exercises, and getting rest.
Every injury is unique, and recovery times can vary. In some cases, it may be appropriate to return to work the following day. Others may return after a few weeks, and others may need to go on short-term or long-term disability. It is recommended that you seek guidance from a healthcare provider that is knowledgeable about the type of injury you have.
Your healthcare provider can help you create a return-to-work plan. This will take into account your specific symptoms, job responsibilities, and the intensity and frequency of any medical treatments you must attend. The plan may involve temporarily reduced hours, modified duties, or other accommodations to ensure your safety and well-being. Your functioning should be monitored over time so that appropriate changes to the plan can be made. Many providers are willing to write a letter to your employer requesting specific accommodations. This is something I do all the time, and I often collaborate with physicians on these letters.
No one should have to navigate such decisions alone. Reach out to Flatirons Cognitive Therapy to learn more.
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