Ever dreaded the fact that the weekend or your vacation is about to end? Of course, work stress happens occasionally, but if you're consistently anxious or emotionally drained, there might be more to it than meets the eye and it is termed as the work trauma. Surprisingly, many people experience it without realising that they do, and it really can have an impact on one's mental health and overall well-being.
In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, Dr Nikhil Nayar, Psychiatrist, Sharda Hospital — Noida explained what work trauma is and how to treat it. Here is what he shared with us.
What Is Work Trauma?
Work trauma is the emotional and psychological impact of being exposed to toxic, unsafe, or highly stressful work environments for an extended period. It is not just about having difficult deadlines or tasks but rather about environments or experiences that leave you feeling devalued, unsafe, or emotionally drained. Stating a few examples Dr Nayar shared:
- Experiencing bullying or harassment in the workplace
- Facing unrealistic expectations with little support
- Witnessing or being involved in workplace conflicts
- Systemic discrimination or exclusion for an extended period
- Working in environments with chronic instability, such as frequent layoffs
“Over time, these experiences can lead to symptoms similar to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), including anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and difficulty concentrating,” Dr Nayar added.
How To Recognise Work Trauma?
It's important to identify signs that your work environment is negatively affecting your mental health. These may include:
- Persistent dread or anxiety about work
- Difficulty relaxing or detaching from work after hours
- Physical symptoms that include headaches, stomach problems, or even tiredness
- Loss of confidence in whatever you do
- Feelings of hopelessness or burnout
Tips For Managing Work Trauma
Work trauma management involves both short-term strategies for survival and long-term plans to give one a healthier work-life balance. Here are some expert-approved tips meant to help you navigate this challenging experience:
1. Admit Your Feelings
The first step towards healing is accepting the fact that your emotions are valid. It is okay to feel overwhelmed or upset over your work environment. Muting such feelings worsens the situation over time and admitting them will hasten how this management is made.
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2. Seek Support
Discuss your experiences with someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or therapist. Wherever possible, connect with colleagues who are supportive and can sympathise and understand your situation better.
3. Set Boundaries
Fuzzy boundaries are a common cause of work trauma. Practice saying no to tasks that are outside your capacity or your responsibilities. Take care of yourself by setting clear boundaries around availability and workload.
4. Practice Self-Care
Do things that feed your mind and body. This could be regular exercise, mindfulness practice, journaling, or other hobbies that bring you joy. Self-care is not selfish; it's necessary for resilience.
5. Seek Professional Help
If the work trauma has now become a huge impact on your mental health, then seek professional help. A therapist or counsellor can better guide you in the process of learning to cope and overcome the emotional weight of the situation.
Bottomline
No one should feel stuck in a work environment that is causing harm to their mental health. Knowing the signs of work trauma and taking proactive steps to address it can help you regain your balance and well-being. Remember, your health, both mental and physical, is more important than any job. If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone, and there are resources and support available to help you through it.