27th June marks P.T.S.D Awareness Day, a crucial opportunity to shed light on the impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This day is dedicated to increasing awareness about PTSD, encouraging understanding, and highlighting the importance of support for those affected by this debilitating condition.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, and can bring a person's life to a standstill. The disorder manifests through a range of symptoms that can severely disrupt daily life and overall wellbeing.
PTSD symptoms are diverse and can be grouped into four main categories:
Re-experiencing Symptoms:
- Unwanted, recurring memories of the traumatic event.
- Flashbacks and nightmares.
- Intrusive thoughts that can be distressing and hard to control.
Avoidance Symptoms:
- Avoiding reminders of the trauma, such as certain places, people, or activities.
- Steering clear of thoughts or feelings related to the event.
Arousal Symptoms:
- Heightened emotional and physical reactions, such as being easily startled or feeling constantly on edge.
- Self-destructive behaviours, trouble sleeping, and difficulty concentrating.
- Outbursts of anger or aggressive behaviour.
Mood Symptoms:
- Negative thoughts about themselves or the world.
- Feelings of shame or guilt.
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities and overall disengagement from life.
PTSD can significantly impact an individual's ability to function in a work environment. Symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, emotional volatility, and avoidance behaviours can hinder productivity and workplace relationships. The condition can affect not just the individual suffering from PTSD but also their colleagues and managers who may struggle to understand how best to provide support.
As an employer, creating a supportive environment for employees with PTSD is both a legal obligation, as PTSD can be classed as a disability under the Equality Act (2010), but also a moral one. We have identified a few key ways to support your employees:
Open Communication:
Maintain open lines of communication to understand each employee's unique needs and triggers. Encourage employees to speak openly about their challenges and work together to find practical solutions. Ask from the point of recruitment if individuals feel they need any support or adjustments and make it clear to existing employees how they can start a conversation.
Create wellness action plans:
Use a wellness action plan template so the individual and their manager or HR can work together to understand how the condition impacts the working day, identify potential triggers in the workplace, and put plans in place to make things easier and manage any flare ups. For instance, if an employee finds it hard to work in noisy environments, consider providing noise-cancelling headphones or a quieter workspace.
Reasonable Adjustments:
Make necessary adjustments to the work environment. This might include flexible working hours, modified duties, or adapting the way an individual does things so they can bring their best selves to work.
Support options:
Professional support is crucial for individuals suffering from PTSD, trained mental health professionals can provide tailored treatments to facilitate recovery. It is important to seek medical advice to ensure appropriate care and support if needed.
Various treatment options can significantly aid recovery by helping individuals process their trauma, develop coping mechanisms, and regain control over their lives.
Psychotherapy: also known as 'talk therapy,' this involves discussing the traumatic event and developing coping strategies.
Exposure Therapy: Gradually exposing individuals to their trauma in a controlled manner to reduce fear and anxiety.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): A therapy that involves tracking eye movements to process traumatic memories.
Cognitive Restructuring: Helping individuals make sense of their trauma and address feelings of guilt or shame.
Medication: Prescribed by mental health professionals to manage symptoms such as depression and anxiety.
Remember, if you are suffering from PTSD, seek medical professional advice to get the help and support you need.
Our Health Cash Plans provide essential support for those dealing with PTSD, offering access to around-the-clock counselling through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), our GP anytime service for easily accessible medical advice and access to mental health apps for ongoing support. These services are designed to be flexible to suit a variety of needs and ensure confidential, reliable assistance for employees and their immediate family members, helping them navigate personal challenges that impact their work performance and overall wellbeing.
On PTSD Awareness Day, let's commit to raising awareness and fostering a supportive environment for those affected by PTSD. By understanding the condition, recognising its symptoms, and providing the right support, we can help individuals manage their PTSD and lead healthy, happy lives both personally and professionally.
Find out how our Health Cash plan and EAP can help support you and your team. https://www.healthshield.co.uk/health-cash-plans/
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