The effects of PTSD in a workforce

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can impact any person at any time. The effects on an individual are far-reaching and are likely to impact their ability to perform or even show up to work.

At the age of 30, I had my own experience of anxiety and depression, which meant that I had to put my career as a professional triathlete behind me. Instead, it took me on a mental health journey that led me to where I am today.

As a psychotherapist at Hope in Health, I see frontline workers and veterans on a daily basis that are struggling to cope with the effects of PTSD.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is the brain and body trying to adapt to the extreme exposure of a traumatic event. It can cause disassociation and lead to people shutting down or pushing down negative feelings, or trying to work around them. Often, people experiencing PTSD can attempt to self-medicate, leading to substance use, mood swings, sleepless nights and traumatic flashbacks.

It’s a common misconception that PTSD is a condition experienced exclusively by war veterans or survivors of sexual assault and severe accidents. People who have experienced natural disasters like floods or the COVID-19 pandemic can experience it too. So too can office workers facing workplace bullying or high levels of stress.

Through our holistic rehabilitation program at Hope in Health, we acknowledge and validate the experiences of anyone who presents with PTSD, regardless of the traumatic incidents that led to their mental injury.

As holistic therapists, we look at the triggers of traumatic events and tailor a personal approach to help the patient overcome them using both group and one-on-one therapy techniques.

Treating PTSD

When it comes to treating PTSD, we don’t need our clients to share their stories. This can be retraumatising. We can work with clients without knowing the intricate details of their specific trauma. Instead, we will ask clients to describe what they feel. If that’s not possible, we help them name their experiences and teach them how to sit with them.

Returning to work is an important goal for anyone who experiences PTSD. It teaches people to acknowledge their power and strengths. Oftentimes, people have invested a lot of time and money into their vocation. It becomes a huge part of their identity.

But returning to work can take on many forms. It doesn’t have to be returning to the exact role where the trauma took place, which could aggravate triggers. We teach clients that it is okay to step back from the situation creating trauma and look at other opportunities to utilise their expertise and skills.

For anyone returning to work from PTSD rehabilitation, it may look like taking on a role in a less hostile environment, or adjusting duties to suit their level of recovery. We upskill and teach clients about their transferable skills and where they might be able to utilise them through our programs.

PTSD left untreated

If people are left to manage their own post-traumatic stress, it could lead them down a dangerous path. They could sink into intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and nightmares. A previously bright and bubbly person may become serious and withdrawn.

Leaving PTSD untreated may result in absenteeism from work or an increase in substance use. Productivity may be impacted too. That person may not be able to perform their duties at all, which can impact profits.

Ignoring PTSD can also impact the reputation and professional integrity of a business. We see businesses failing as a result of not supporting staff. If people aren’t listened to and don’t feel safe and valued, word can get around and businesses may find it harder to fill vacant roles.

Helping an employee through PTSD

For businesses, we must move away from a one-size-fits-all model of mental wellbeing. Promoting a culture of psychological safety and mental wellness must take place 365 days a year. Businesses must promote a culture of psychological safety and be careful not to put the onus on the person recovering.

Psychological safety is a holistic look at workplace culture that is compassionate and supportive of individuals. When employees feel psychologically safe at work, they feel more supported. When someone is falling apart at the seams, an organisation must wrap their arms around them.

Recovery from PTSD takes time and focused mental health treatment. Positive support from HR teams and business leaders will help speed up that process.

By Jamie Hicks, a psychotherapist at Hope in Health