Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects thousands of people each year, and you are not alone. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, irritability, anxiety, depression, paranoia, and more, which can certainly have a major impact on your workplace performance. If this is the case, it’s important that you seek treatment from a reputable treatment center, and not just any place – a treatment center that fully understands and recognizes the unique needs of professionals.
Those who work in high-stress professions, such as first responders, policemen and veterans, are at high risk for developing PTSD from multiple exposures of trauma. A 2018 study published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology sought to explore the levels of impairment that were experienced by professionals with PTSD. Researchers found that veterans and military members in particular are more prone to derealization, which occurs when a individual momentarily feels disconnected from their reality. No matter what symptoms you’re experiencing work, there are a number of ways that you can try to manage this both in the workplace and at home:
- Begin taking note of your triggers. Specific people, places, or objects can trigger feelings of discomfort, and the first step towards taking action in your recovery is recognizing these triggers.
- Find what works for you. Mindfulness, breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, going for a walk, keeping something textured to remind yourself of where you are, reading a good book, and more are all examples of healthy coping mechanisms you can try to find what helps you most.
- Identify a plan of action for future situations. If you’re about to go to an employee outing, is there someone you can call if you need to take a break because your symptoms are flaring up? What exit strategies do you have if you need them?
- Be sure to continue taking medication that your doctor prescribes. Most medications are meant to be taken consistently and stopping use could worsen your symptoms.
PTSD can significantly affect your daily life, but it doesn’t have to be this way forever. Take that first step towards your health, happiness, and well-being by speaking with someone from a reputable professional treatment center, today.
Learning to be is part of the process of trauma recovery. Stop the cycle of merry-go-round treatment and find the solution you’re looking for in trauma treatment. Through effective residential treatment, Khiron House helps you find the path you need toward health and wellness in recovery. For information, call us today. UK: 020 3811 2575 (24 hours). USA: (866) 801 6184 (24 hours).
