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How Workplace Trauma Affects Employees
It's difficult to predict how exposure to workplace violence will affect a given employee since several factors influence the subjective intensity of trauma. These factors include the duration of the disturbing behavior, the amount of terror the victim or witnesses experienced, the sense of personal control (or lack thereof)during the incident, and the extent of injury or loss suffered (i.e., loss of property, self-esteem, physical well-being, etc.). Other variables include previous victimization experiences, recent losses such as the death of a family member, and other intense stressors.
Getting the Help You Need
There are a number of things you can do to help yourself get through a traumatic on-the-job event. In addition to availing yourself of professional therapeutic counseling, the following ideas can be beneficial in managing both the physical, emotional, and psychological effects:
- Pay special attention to diet and exercise: Eat balanced meals, keep stimulants to a minimum, do not turn to alcohol or drugs as a means of coping, and make a point of getting exercise in a way that you especially enjoy
- Get good sleep: Maintain a normal schedule and use relaxation techniques to help you fall asleep
- Talk with friends: Use your social support systems, talk about your experience of the traumatic incident
- Attend to your life-style: Take time to do pleasurable things, avoid boredom, and don't fight flashbacks
- Ensure your safety: Do whatever is necessary to feel safe, e.g., getting a home security system, keeping emergency numbers close at hand, obtaining referrals to community facilities
Link: Find A Therapist
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