What Is a Trauma Related Disorder?
Trauma and stressor-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are a group of emotional and behavioral issues that may occur because of childhood trauma and stressful experiences. Oftentimes, these trauma-related disorders include exposure to physical or emotional violence and pain, including abuse, neglect, or family conflict.
Table of Contents
- What is a Trauma Related Disorder?
- What is Workplace PTSD and What it Looks Like?
- What Triggers Workplace PTSD
- Signs of a Trauma Related Disorder
- Signs of a Trauma Related Disorder in the Workplace
- What Human Resources Departments Need to Know About Trauma Related Disorders?
- Emotional Signs of Trauma Related Disorders
- Psychological/Cognitive Signs of Trauma Related Disorder
- Physical Signs of Trauma Related Disorder
- What Human Resources Departments Need to Know About Workplace PTSD
- Dangers of Self-Medication
- Trauma-Related Disorders Statistics in the Workplace
- Treatment Options for Trauma-Related Disorders
- How Can Union First Help You?
What is Workplace PTSD and What it Looks Like?
According to mental health professionals, workplace PTSD is characterized by the “different emotional, cognitive, and physical challenges people experience when they have difficulty coping with negative, abusive, or traumatic aspects of their jobs.” Workplace PTSD looks similar to other types of PTSD and involves physical symptoms, such as nervousness, jitters, insomnia, nightmares, or startle responses, as well as emotional signs and symptoms.
What Triggers Workplace PTSD
Every individual and their experience is different so there’s no set list of triggers for PTSD. However, the catalyst for PTSD triggers can be a stressful or crisis event, like a death or injury that happens in the workplace. Other times, triggers can be internal realizations that a union member isn’t physically safe at work. Additionally, workplace PTSD can be triggered by toxic office culture.
What Human Resources Departments Need to Know About Workplace PTSD
The first step is for HR departments to be aware of workplace PTSD, including training about stress, trauma, and burnout. Secondly, HR can be proactive in assisting those with a trauma-related disorders and create a supportive workplace culture.
Dangers of Self-Medication
People who experience PTSD and trauma-related disorders may use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate. In fact, having PTSD may increase a person’s risk for substance abuse issues. Oftentimes, people self-medicate to try to escape or numb the distressing symptoms of PTSD. However, this can result in additional negative reactions, including:
- Depression
- Relationship problems
- Anxiety
- Legal problems
- Medical issues
How can Union First Help You?
If you or a loved one struggles with workplace PTSD, consider seeking a trauma-related disorder treatment for union members with Union First. Union First is an EAP that offers job protection and health services to union members, public union members, and their families.
It can be hard to know what to do if you are having trouble with your mental health. It’s important that you have the support and help of friends and family, but it can be weird about telling people about your condition. With Union First, you are able to get the help you need without having to worry. We protect your job while you are going through treatment, talk with companies on your behalf, and get your job back when you return. With our personalized approach, we are able to offer you unique and effective treatment options that will help you meet your goals. Our staff is made up of caring professionals who have a history of success in working with those seeking addiction treatment.