Coping with Trauma
The devastation caused by the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria has left those affected in an incredibly difficult situation. Our thoughts are with those affected and those who are struggling to cope in the wake of the disasters. This article intends to aid employers and managers in providing Occupational Health to staff coping with trauma, who have been affected by these heartbreaking events.
At Valentine Occupational Health, we believe we have a duty to afford guidance, assistance and resources to those going through a traumatic experience like this. This guide presents ideas on how to effectively manage the repercussions of the earthquake at the workplace, offering advice to employers and managers on how to create a secure and safe setting for those affected. We are committed to providing help to anyone struggling through this difficult period.
We wish for this guide to provide valuable insight to all, however, we urge anyone who requires extra assistance or advice to reach out.
The effect of trauma
Trauma can refer to a singular distressing experience, or a succession of difficult events, that can be perceived as physically or psychologically dangerous, or even life-threatening. It is usually unexpected and can provoke a wave of complex emotions and responses as we try to adjust to an ever-changing environment.
The unexpectedness of trauma, especially if it is sudden, can bring about a chain of challenging emotions and reactions as we attempt to handle the ever-evolving situations we find ourselves in.
It is essential to understand that during a crisis, both you and your staff acknowledge and validate any emotions you may be feeling, making sure that nothing is bottled or suppressed. Your crisis management plan for business continuity can assist you when faced with trauma, but it is crucial to acknowledge the situation at hand so you, your colleagues and your staff can get through it together.
The signs of trauma
It is quite typical for the human body to experience a rush of emotions when we undergo high levels of stress. This prompts our natural defense responses such as fight, flight, or freeze. Examples can include:
- Experiencing rage and being inclined to take it out on those around you when it seems as though nothing is in control
- Experiencing anxiousness and paranoia, constantly checking for risks
- Physical signs such as unease, rapid respiration, trouble sleeping or eating, which are affecting your ability to focus and concentrate on tasks
- Displaying limiting and isolating behaviours, such as feeling insecure, becoming separated from family or friends, or not being able to find enjoyment in activities that you would’ve done normally
- Feeling emotionally detached, hazy or disconnected from those close to you
Acknowledging that these reactions are completely usual following a difficult experience, is crucial. If they become overpowering, don’t be afraid to look for help and support. Symptoms of trauma generally subside within the first month, although they may linger further if a person is in an ongoing distressing environment. Talking them through with a colleague or a professional can be of great help.
Managerial responsibility
As a manager, you must shoulder the dual responsibility of managing a heavier workload, as well as looking after your team who are struggling with the repercussions of a traumatic event for themselves and their loved ones. These effects on you can be far-reaching – from feeling exhausted to mental health concerns – and it is crucial to take advantage of any available support, both at work and in your personal life. You should also be aware that the emotions you are experiencing are likely being reflected in the people that you manage, so take this into account when engaging with your team.
Communication
Ensure that you maintain regular communication with your teams. It is essential that staff feel secure in their roles and know where to find support, what is expected of them and if any changes to their responsibilities are taking place.
Connection
Provide the opportunity for colleagues to come together and share the emotions they are experiencing, particularly if the organisation remains working from home following the pandemic. This will help them to avoid feeling isolated.
Be there for each other
At times of difficulty, it is common to attempt to manage or rectify a seemingly impossible problem. As a boss, it can be a challenge to be concerned for your staff’s wellbeing. Talking with them and inviting them to one-on-one conversations can give you an idea on how they’re doing. Check-ins between colleagues can continuously maintain morale, connection and a sense of normality even following trauma.
Signpost
If employees or colleagues require expert help, relay to them the details of the locations they can access for support, such as the counselling and online wellbeing resources provided by your organisation. Distribute details of Occupational Health support.
Be available
As a manager, give yourself greater access to employees to enable them to reach out when necessary. This could be done by allowing for open-door access on a specific day of the week or reaching out to staff via email or Teams / Slack.
Wellbeing
Urge your team to take breaks, not over-work themselves, and reduce the amount of doom-scrolling if possible. Remind staff of the advantages of quality sleep, nutritious meals and physical activity, ventilation, and communication with others wherever possible.
Grounding exercises
It is often beneficial to share basic techniques for grounding in times of stress and distress. Not everyone will respond in the same way to relaxation practices, so it is best to consider all potential options. Occupational Health should be consulted for further support. Examples are:
- Feel your feet into the floor – slowly by placing the heel and then the balls of the feet and the toes one by one to feel the support and connection to the earth beneath.
- Put a hand over your heart to feel connected to your body.
- The butterfly hug – cross your arms over your body so opposite hands are on your shoulders and rub down your arms for up to five minutes. This technique helps to promote a feeling of safety within the body and can calm the nervous system.
- The 5 senses exercise – if you are feeling overwhelmed it can be helpful to name something you can see/ taste/ touch/ hear/ smell in that immediate moment to help you stay present. This is a mindfulness-based technique to help stop ruminations of difficult or distressing thoughts.
Contact us
As we have seen recently, trauma and its related impacts can have a lasting and extreme effect on individuals and their work lives. It is our hope that, by offering this guide on how to identify signs and effects of trauma, we can help employers, managers and employees coping from the effects of these tragic events.
At Valentine Occupational Health, our team of specialists understand the importance of managing the mental health of your workforce. We have the experience and expertise to help your organisation to take the appropriate steps to protect, support and manage their people. If you feel that you or your organisation may benefit from our services, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today.
If you want to best support your teams and help them through these times, contact the team today and we’ll create a tailored plan which supports your team best. Contact the Valentine team at 0800 020 9913 or email us at service@valentineoh.co.uk.
Our thoughts are with those affected by the recent events in Turkey and Syria and we wish them every strength as they cope with this difficult time.
