Trauma In The Workplace: A New Type Of Trauma Seen in My Practice:
When most people hear the word trauma, they usually think of events such as a
bank robbery, a tragic work accident, or an employee being stocked or assaulted
at work by a spouse/partner who's been involved in a domestic dispute.
There is a different and rapidly growing type of "work trauma" that I've been seeing
in my practice. Perhaps your self-esteem has taken a "major hit" because you
were fired or you worked with a boss or co-worker that made you feel "less than
competent" by being verbally assaultive. I've seen very high functioning
individuals go into a real slump, leading to self doubt, severe anxiety and
depression, and even suicidal ideation/behaviors.
Sometimes this type of trauma happens once or multiple times to an individual
leaving them with a type of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that I call "Work
Trauma".
Unfortuantely, this often can happen to those with a well meaning, strong work
ethic. This can be due to any one of a multitude of issues.
Here's one common cause:
There are many different bosses out there...some truly excellent ones as well as
some poorly trained ones! Some Supervisors and Managers were promoted to the
position they are in because they were very good at the job they previously had
(this previous job may have had NO supervisory or managerial responsibilities or
training). When this happens, you may end up working for a new supervisor or
manager who has virtually little to no skills at developing, grooming or "bringing out
the best" in his/her staff. Sometimes these new bosses are so stressed out
themselves because they're in a job that they're not truly prepared for. This stress
sometimes gets taken out on his/her own staff. When this happens, you can
become the victim. The idea of returning to work after being in such a tense
environment can leave you feeling depressed, defeated, and wondering what you
did wrong!?
Sometimes, you've done nothing wrong...
Healing can begin with the help of a professional counselor where you can identify
the factors that may have not been in your control.
E-mail or call me about your particular situation...
robertfox@jobstresssolutions.com
(617) 254-0123