New data* highlights the proactive and essential role businesses must play in protecting their employees’ mental health following a traumatic event. This is to ensure quicker recovery for the patient as well as business continuity. With the modern workforce increasingly required to travel and face unpredictable risks, such as natural disasters, armed conflict, or personal emergencies, the need for comprehensive mental health support has never been more critical to avoid longer term psychiatric problems.
The Psychological Impact of Trauma on Employees
Unfortunately, at some point in our lives many of us will be exposed to terrifying or extremely stressful events. These can clearly have huge effects on our wellbeing and mental health. The immediate aftermath often involves an acute stress response, but without timely and appropriate support, this can develop into a chronic and serious condition called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
PTSD was first identified in young soldiers returning from war, often referred to as “shell shock”. The symptoms of PTSD usually develop quite soon after being exposed to a significantly traumatic event. They include intrusive memories of the incident, distressing flashbacks and severe emotional distress when recalling or being reminded of the trauma. As a result, individuals often avoid people, places, or activities that might trigger these painful memories, leading to isolation and a withdrawal from support networks. When left untreated, it is common to develop feelings of shame and guilt around the event and to develop symptoms of severe depression and anxiety alongside the PTSD.
In some cases, PTSD can come to the surface more than six-months after a trauma. This is known as delayed PTSD. Another form of PTSD, which is being increasingly discussed in media and in general, is complex PTSD. This is when PTSD symptoms are caused by a more prolonged traumatic experience – such as living with an abuser or being exposed to a trauma over a long period of time.
All types of PTSD are regarded as quite severe mental health diagnoses, and they can be challenging to treat and manage. The ripple effects of PTSD extend beyond the individual, and in a business might impact team dynamics, productivity, and organisational culture. It is essential to act early to reduce the opportunity for PTSD to develop.
Case Studies: The Cost of Delayed Intervention
Having worked directly with people suffering from PTSD for various reasons, Healix has witnessed the cost of delayed intervention, as outlined below.
Case Study 1: Sexual Assault in the Workplace: Anna, a marketing executive, endured harassment in her workplace, which was met with dismissiveness from her management. The absence of support mechanisms resulted in untreated PTSD, compounding her stress and leading to chronic physical health issues such as fibromyalgia. Years of therapy and medical treatment were required to address the long-term damage. This underscores the critical importance of immediate validation, trauma-focused therapy, and workplace adjustments.
Case Study 2: Armed Robbery at Work: James, a retail manager, experienced an armed robbery during his shift. Although his employer provided financial support, the lack of mental health resources led to delayed-onset PTSD symptoms, including panic attacks and a prolonged recovery process. Early psychoeducation and intervention could have significantly reduced the long-term impact on his mental health and career.
Case Study 3: Road Traffic Collision on a Business Trip: Michael, a senior executive, survived a road traffic collision during a business trip that tragically claimed the life of his colleague. His employer’s proactive approach, including access to trauma-focused therapy within 48 hours, time off work, and a structured return-to-work plan, allowed him to recover fully within a year. This case illustrates the effectiveness of immediate and sustained mental health support in preventing PTSD.
The Evidence for Early Intervention
Healix works with Mind Right to help people access timely mental health support. New data from a recent review of Mind Right PTSD cases reinforces the importance of early intervention:
- Reduced Treatment Duration: Cases referred for treatment within three months of a traumatic event required an average of eight therapy sessions. When intervention was delayed beyond six months, the average increased to 11 sessions.
- Improved Outcomes: The sooner that a client is referred for psychological therapy, the greater the reduction in their symptoms as measured by symptom tracker tools. Longer waits for intervention means more distressing and serious mental health symptoms.
This data underscores that prompt access to trauma-focused interventions not only accelerates recovery but also enhances the overall effectiveness of treatment.
Practical Recommendations for Employers
- Immediate Access to Support: Following a traumatic event, businesses should ensure employees have access to mental health professionals within days, not weeks. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and modified prolonged exposure therapy have strong evidence for early treatment of acute stress and PTSD symptoms.
- Foster an Open Culture: Building a culture of openness and tolerance is key to encouraging employees to seek help without fear of stigma. Confidential reporting mechanisms and visible support from leadership can make a significant difference.
- Regular Screening and Monitoring: Implement routine mental health check-ins for employees who have experienced trauma. Early identification of symptoms allows for timely intervention and prevents escalation. Be proactive!
- Balancing Support with Privacy: Employers must navigate the delicate balance between offering support and respecting employees’ autonomy. Providing clear, confidential pathways for accessing help ensures employees feel empowered rather than pressured.
Conclusion
It’s a fact of life that trauma can occur at any time, profoundly affecting employees and organisations alike. By prioritising early intervention, leveraging evidence-based therapies, and fostering supportive workplace cultures, businesses can play a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of trauma. As the cases of Anna, James, and Michael illustrate, timely and proactive measures can prevent long-term mental health challenges and enable employees to rebuild their lives and careers with resilience.
*Data from Healix Health’s partner, psychological services provider, Mind Right
