How to Help Employees Cope and Deal with Stress
What Is a Traumatic
Event?
Most everyone has been through a stressful event
in his or her life. When the event or series of events causes a lot of stress it
is called a traumatic event. Traumatic events are marked by a sense of horror,
helplessness, serious injury, the threat of a serious injury or death.
What Are Some Common
Responses?
Responses are different for everyone and can
include feelings of fear, grief and depression. Physical responses include
nausea, dizziness and changes in sleep pattern as well as withdrawal from daily
activities. Responses to trauma can last for weeks to months.
What Can You Do for
Yourself?
Understand that your symptoms may be normal, especially
right after the traumatic event
Keep to your usual routine
Resolve everyday conflicts so they do not add to your
stress
Do not avoid situations, places or people that remind you
of the traumatic event
Find ways to relax
Turn to people you trust for support
Participate in fun activities
Recognize that you cannot control everything
What Can You Do for
Your Employees?
Since employees who will rely on you for support
after an emergency are your most valuable asset, consider the range of services
that you could provide or arrange for, including:
Cash advances
Salary continuations
Flexible work hours
Reduced work hours
Crisis counseling
Care packages
Day care
When Should You Contact
Your Doctor or Mental Health Professional?
You may need to consider seeking professional help
if your symptoms are severe enough during the first month to interfere with your
family, friends and job. For more information or to find professional help, go
to http://www.bt.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/.
For more information visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
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