Distressed? Let me count the ways
At the workplace, employees may sometimes unexpectedly experience a traumatic event (strong typhoons, earthquakes, fire, accidental injury, etc.) that may cause to interfere with their ability to function normally. It is completely normal for all of us to experience a number of emotional aftershocks after such a horrible event.
Sometimes, these stress reactions appear immediately and briefly. Sometimes they do not occur for several days, weeks or months after the stressful event. These variations in timing are also completely normal. The strength of the signals and feelings of these stress reactions vary. The understanding and support of loved ones, friends and co-workers usually cause the reactions to pass more quickly.
Occasionally, the traumatic event is so painful and overwhelming that professional assistance may be necessary. This does not mean you are weak or “crazy.” It simply indicates that this particular event had such a powerful personal effect that you can’t handle it completely alone.
Listed below are the possible distress signals.
Thinking Distress Signals
1. Confused thinking
2. Difficulty making decisions or solving problems
3. Disorientation
4. Nightmares
5. Suspiciousness
6. Intruding images
7. Blaming someone
8. Poor attention span
9. Difficulty identifying objects/ people
10. Heightened or reduced alertness
11. Heightened or reduced awareness of problems or job risks
Physical Distress Signals
1. Excessive sweating
2. Dizzy spells
3. Increased heart rate/breathing rate
4. Difficulty breathing
5. Chest pain, discomfort
6. Muscle tremors
7. Grinding teeth
8. Difficulty seeing
9. Headaches
Emotional Distress Signals
1. Fear, panic, anxiety
2. Guilt
3. Denial
4. Agitation, irritability
5. Depression, intense anger
6. Apprehension
7. Emotional outbursts
8. Feeling overwhelmed, out of control
9. Displaying inappropriate emotions
Behavioral Distress Signals
1. Becoming withdrawn
2. Antisocial actions
3. Inability to rest, erratic, intensified actions
4. Changes in speech patterns
5. Loss of or intense increase in appetite
6. Being hyperalert
7. Increased intake of alcohol, drug or other substances
8. Changes in aggressiveness
Remember that if the above distress signals persist beyond a month after the workplace trauma, professional help is warranted and would be most beneficial to the distressed employee.
(For questions on love, looks and relationships, please e-mail me at nina.halilijao@gmail.com or at ninahalili_allure2001@yahoo.com or mail your letters to Rm. 309 Medical Arts Bldg., St. Luke’s
