Understanding Trauma: Workplace Trauma Is Real

Work has the potential to bring about growth and achievement, but it can also result in stress and trauma. Workplace trauma, also known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), refers to the mental or emotional distress employees endure while working. Work-related trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder is not listed in the DSM-5 but is gaining recognition for its importance. Work-related trauma can originate from a single traumatic incident or develop over time due to chronic stress and anxiety. A person experiences trauma when they interpret a certain situation or multiple situations as being risky or endangering their life. While unique to individuals, trauma usually has lasting negative effects that impede the capacity to succeed in different areas of life, including mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual health.

There are no set rules on what experiences qualify as traumatic. It all depends on how you react to them. Different individuals have varying perceptions of what constitutes as traumatic. Others cannot comprehend the emotions you have towards your personal experiences or decide if they are distressing for you. You might experience similar situations as someone else but have differing responses or outcomes that could have lasting effects. Work-related trauma can lead to significant levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout in workers, which can subsequently lead to increased absenteeism, conflicts, decline in job satisfaction, and decreased productivity.

The most challenging part is that work-related trauma is frequently overlooked. Work trauma impacts not only employees' professional lives. This intrusion into their personal lives can cause a series of negative effects: straining their relationships, reducing their self-esteem, hindering their hobbies, and ultimately decreasing their overall well-being. Some of the factors contributing to workplace trauma are:

• Job Insecurity: Constant fear and stress of job loss or inability to advance in a career
• Bullying & Harassment: Verbal or physical abuse from colleagues and those in leadership, resulting in mental and emotional distress
• Exposure to Violence: Witnessing acts of violence or crime in the workplace
• Inadequate Support Systems
• Unfair Treatment like feeling discriminated?against, ignored, or disregarded due to unfair policies or practices
• A toxic work environment and culture
• Excessive amounts of workplace stress

The Importance of Early Detection

Detecting trauma at an early stage can stop more psychological harm and promote a more nurturing work atmosphere. Employees who sense understanding and backing are more inclined to recuperate and resume productivity. Detecting and providing assistance early on can greatly impact their recovery and overall harmony in the workplace. Identifying early signs of symptoms is essential for preventing workplace trauma. Employees can proactively address potential issues before they escalate by recognizing the warning signs. Early symptoms may differ based on the kind of work. Still, some typical examples include Behavioral symptoms like increased sick days, aggression, reduced creativity, lower job performance, relationship problems, mood swings, irritability, and isolation; Physical symptoms such as stress, fatigue, headaches, changes in appetite, lethargy, anxiety, and panic attacks; Emotional symptoms like irritability, emotional outbursts, mood swings, paranoia, moodiness, and negative thoughts; Mental symptoms like feeling numb, difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, inability to stick to a routine, constant pressure to overwork, and relationship issues.

Organizations must prioritize mental health support in the workplace, emphasizing trauma-informed care and aid. Employers can take steps to reduce the worst impacts and assist their employees by actively striving to create a work environment that can withstand trauma.

Overcoming Workplace Trauma

Hierarchies in the professional environment can facilitate the occurrence of abuse. Employees are at risk due to a lack of victim protection, fear of reprisal, and potential harm to their livelihood. As we typically associate "abusive relationships" with our personal or family life, it can be challenging to identify them in a work setting. However, identifying this experience can be crucial to the healing process. Whether it occurs at home, work, or in the world, trauma is never your fault. You should receive assistance to recover.?Here are some initiatives you can do on your own to overcome workplace trauma and experience the healing process:

• Identify the Source: Identifying the origin of the trauma is the initial step to address workplace trauma. Recognizing the source of trauma enables you to tackle the problem head-on and strive for a resolution to alleviate the stressors.
• Don’t Self-blame: One common trauma response is self-blaming. Mostly, individuals who experience workplace trauma are not to blame for their mistreatment. Consider any regrets and wishes you may have about your past job as valuable lessons. Lessons to improve decision-making in your future job.
• Give Yourself Time to Grieve: This step is crucial for the healing process. Avoid suppressing your feelings or pressuring yourself to move on. Allow yourself to experience the pain, rage, and sorrow that accompany mourning. Keep in mind that your emotions are legitimate.
• Reach Out to Your Support System: Expressing your emotions with family, friends, or a therapist can be beneficial during challenging times. Opening up may be challenging, but it is crucial to embrace vulnerability.
• Know When to seek help: If your distress is impacting your relationships, work, or daily life, you may have acute stress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but treatment for traumatic stress is not necessary for everyone.
• Finding closure: Achieving a sense of closure is crucial for maintaining good mental health. Without resolution, the mind tends to replay past events, seeking a different path that could have led to a more favorable result.
• Set Boundaries: It is crucial to establish boundaries on work hours and maintain clear distinctions between work and personal life. This enables you to unplug from work during your time, allowing you to relax and re-energize.
• Prioritize self-care: Make sure to eat healthy food, exercise regularly, and have a restful sleep. And try to find alternative ways to manage stress, like engaging in art, music, meditation, relaxation, and enjoying the outdoors.
• Self-regulate your nervous system: Regardless of how upset, nervous, or overwhelmed you may be, it's crucial to understand that you can regulate your arousal system and soothe yourself. When you feel disoriented, confused, or upset, engaging in mindful breathing can quickly help you relax. Just take 60 breaths, paying attention to each exhale. Permit yourself to experience your emotions as they arise. Recognize your emotions related to the trauma as they surface and embrace them.

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(The author Dr. Suantak Demkhosei Vaiphei is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Woxsen University, Hyderabad).