Many people experience some form of workplace trauma at some point in their lives. Whether it’s experiencing a hostile work environment, being the victim of bullying or harassment, or witnessing a violent act, workplace trauma can affect your mental health. If any of these resonates with you, this might help you gain clarity.
What Is Workplace Trauma and How Can It Impact Employees’ Lives Outside of Work?
Workplace trauma can be defined simply as the physical or psychological harm caused to employees when they are at work. It can include anything from witnessing a traumatic event to being the victim of violence or abuse. Do not underestimate it, as it can severely impact your ability to do your job and can even lead to job loss.
The Signs and Symptoms of Workplace Trauma
While the effects of workplace trauma vary considerably from person to person, there are some common signs and symptoms that you may experience, such as:
- Flashbacks
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lack of presence of mind
How To Heal From Workplace Trauma and Restore Your Sense of Well-Being?
Here are some things you can do on your own to start the healing process:
- Give Yourself Time To Grieve. This is an essential step in the healing process. Don’t try to bottle up your emotions or force yourself to “get over it.” Allow yourself to feel the pain, anger, and sadness that come with grief. Remember that your feelings are valid.
- Reach Out To Your Support System. Whether it’s family, friends, or a professional therapist, talking about what you’re going through can be very helpful. It can be difficult to open up, but it’s important to allow yourself to be vulnerable.
- Make Sure You Are Taking Care of Yourself Properly. This means eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep. When we’re physically fit, it’s easier to deal with difficult emotions.
- Find Healthy Ways To Cope With Stress. This might include journaling, meditating, spending time in nature, or engaging in creative activities.
- Be Patient With Yourself. The healing process takes time, and there will be good days and bad days. Just remember that you are strong, and you will get through this.
What Are Some Tips for Preventing or Minimizing the Occurrence of Workplace Trauma in the First Place?
- One is to create a safe and supportive environment for employees. This can be done by having regular check-ins with employees, providing resources and support, and establishing clear policies and procedures.
- Promote healthy work-life balance. Encourage employees to take breaks. Offer them flexible work hours when possible. You can also provide useful resources to your team members.
- Educate employees on how to identify and cope with signs of psychological trauma. This can be done through training programs, awareness campaigns, and employee assistance programs.
What Are Some Helpful Resources for Those Struggling With Workplace Trauma?
If you’re struggling with workplace trauma, you’re not alone. Many people experience exposure to traumatic events at some point in their careers. Fortunately, some helpful resources are available to help you cope with your experience and move forward. Workplace trauma can be debilitating, but you can begin to heal with the proper support.
One helpful resource is counselling or therapy. Talking to a trained professional can help you process your trauma and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Many free or low-cost options are available if cost is a barrier, such as support groups or hotlines.
Educating yourself about trauma and its effects can also be helpful. Reading books or articles, listening to podcasts, or watching videos about trauma can help you better understand what you’re experiencing and how to deal with it. Additionally, online forums and communities can provide support and allow you to connect with others who have gone through similar experiences.
Finally, it’s important to take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and getting enough sleep are crucial for managing stress and promoting healing. Taking time for activities that bring you joy can also help boost your mood and reduce feelings of isolation or loneliness.
If you’re struggling with workplace trauma, remember that help is available. If you have the resources, use your company’s employee assistance program, or seek out therapy from a mental health professional.
How Do You Know When Time to Seek Professional Help in Dealing with Workplace Trauma?
These are some of the telltale signs that you may need a professional’s help to get you through:
- You’re having difficulty returning to work or performing your job duties.
- You’re experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts about the event.
- You’re avoiding people or places that remind you of the trauma.
- You’re feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless.
- You’re struggling with substance abuse or other destructive behaviours.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s important to reach out for help. A mental health professional can provide you with the support and resources to heal from your experience and get back on track.
How Do You Know It’s Time to Leave Your Current Workplace Because of Workplace Trauma?
It can be tough to know when it’s time to move on from your current workplace. But sometimes, it may be the best option for you so you can heal and grow.
Evaluate Your Current Career Situation
The first step in deciding whether or not to leave your current workplace is to evaluate your current career situation. This means looking at your job’s positive and negative aspects and determining if the negatives outweigh the positives. For example, you may have an excellent salary and benefits package, but if you’re constantly feeling stressed out and overworked, those positives may not be enough to outweigh the negatives.
Consider Your Goals and What You Want to Achieve
Figure out if your current workplace is somewhere that can help you meet your goals or if it’s time to look for a new job. For example, if your goal is to be promoted to a management position, but there’s no room for growth in your current role, it may be time to start looking for a new job.
Weigh the Pros and Cons of Making a Change
Weigh the pros and cons of making a change. This means looking at both the positive and negative aspects of leaving your current workplace. For example, you may be unhappy with your current job, but if you have a good salary and benefits package, those may be factors that keep you from leaving. Take into consideration if there are other circumstances that are keeping you from leaving your current workplace.
Take Action
If you’ve decided that leaving your current workplace is the best decision for you, start by updating your resume and looking for new job opportunities. You may also want to give your notice to your employer and begin transitioning to a new job.
If you’re unsure if leaving your current workplace is the right decision, you can consider a few other options. You could talk to your boss about your concerns and see if there’s anything that can be done to improve your situation. You could also look into transferring to a different department or position within your company. If your boss understands, you may also ask for some time off to reflect and figure things out.
If you decide to stay at your current job, make sure to take the time to reassess your goals and see if there’s anything you can do to make your current situation more tolerable. No matter what you decide to do, the most important thing is that you make a decision that’s best for you and your career.
The thing is, most of the traumatising experiences we can have can happen in the workplace indeed. Workplace trauma is a very real problem. But remember, you are never alone in it. Many resources are available to help you heal and move on with your life.
Have you ever experienced workplace trauma? What made you realise you were actually dealing with workplace trauma? If so, what did you do to heal from it?
