Introduction
As a trauma survivor, navigating the workplace can present unique challenges that others may not fully understand. These challenges can impact our ability to thrive professionally, but it’s important to remember that we are not alone in this journey. In this article, we’ll explore some of the common challenges trauma survivors face in the workplace and provide strategies and resources to help you overcome them.
Common Workplace Challenges for Trauma Survivors
Challenge 1: Triggering Situations. One of the most significant challenges we face in the workplace is the potential for triggering situations. A triggering situation can be anything that reminds us of our past trauma, causing emotional or physical distress. Some common triggers in the workplace might include:
- Loud noises or sudden movements
- Confrontational or aggressive communication styles
- Feeling overwhelmed by workload or deadlines
- Witnessing or experiencing harassment or discrimination
Challenge 2: Difficulty with Trust and Relationships. Trauma can impact our ability to trust others and form healthy relationships, which can be particularly challenging in the workplace, where collaboration and teamwork are often essential. We may struggle to open up to colleagues, feel anxious about social interactions, or avoid networking opportunities.
Challenge 3: Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt. We often struggle with imposter syndrome and self-doubt, feeling like we don’t belong or aren’t deserving of our professional success. These feelings can hold us back from pursuing opportunities, advocating for ourselves, or celebrating our accomplishments.
Challenge 4: Balancing Self-Care and Professional Demands. Balancing self-care while meeting professional demands can be a delicate balance. We may feel pressure to push ourselves beyond our limits, neglect our emotional needs, or feel guilty for taking time to recharge.
Top Workplace Coping Strategies
Develop a trigger management plan. We can identify our triggers and create a plan for coping with them when they arise using the Workplace Trigger Tracker. This might include taking a few deep breaths, stepping away from the situation, or seeking support from a trusted colleague or supervisor.
Build trust gradually. Begin by establishing relationships with one or two colleagues you feel comfortable with. Practice vulnerability in small doses, and remember that building trust takes time.
Practice self-affirmation and celebrate your successes. Keep a journal or list of your accomplishments, both big and small. Remind yourself of your strengths and unique contributions regularly.
Set boundaries and communicate your needs. Be honest with yourself and your supervisor about your capacity and limitations. Remember that caring for yourself is not a luxury but a necessity for long-term success and well-being.
Journal Prompts
What strategies have you used in the past to successfully navigate triggering situations, and how can you apply those strategies in your current workplace?
Reflect on a time when you were able to build a positive relationship despite your past experiences. What qualities or actions helped foster that connection, and how can you cultivate more of those in your current workplace relationships?
What are three unique strengths or skills that you bring to your work as a result of your experiences as a trauma survivor? How can you leverage these strengths to combat imposter syndrome and self-doubt?
Recall a time when you successfully advocated for your needs or set a boundary in your personal or professional life. How did it feel, and what positive outcomes resulted from prioritizing your well-being?
Conclusion
Navigating the workplace as a trauma survivor is a unique and often challenging journey, but it is also an opportunity for growth, resilience, and self-discovery. By acknowledging the challenges, developing strategies to overcome them, and leveraging our strengths, we can build thriving careers and make valuable contributions to our workplaces. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Seek support, practice self-compassion, and celebrate your progress along the way.
An Invitation
If you’d like to join an online community of other resilient overcomers focusing on their careers, I invite you to join The Resilient Career Academy™ Community. (RCA Community)
The RCA Community is a FREE group dedicated to helping/supporting those working to overcome adversity and achieve their full potential in their careers.
The benefits to you are:
- Community — The community provides support, encouragement, the ability to share frustrations and get feedback from people who understand the struggle
- Workplace/Career Resources — The group provides tools, resources, and templates to help you with your career journey
- Available Coaching Support — The community is supported by trained and certified coaches who are available for individual sessions
- Learning — You will have access to various trauma/workplace-related online courses developed by our coaches to help you in your journey
- Workshops/Webinars — You will have access to practical workshops/webinars targeted to help you in the workplace grow your career
If you are interested in joining us, click here: https://resilientcareeracademy.myflodesk.com/community
As always, you do not have to walk this journey alone. Contact me to schedule your free discovery call.
Trigger Tracker Template — This is a FREE resource to help you become aware of your triggers in the workplace and plan the coping strategies you will use to get through the experience.
Get on the waiting list for The Resilient Career Academy™. You won’t want to miss it.
If you want to stay informed on the programs, tools, and training I offer, sign up for my mailing list.
You can also visit my website for more information on courses and other freebies I offer at: https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com.
Photo by Jen Theodore on Unsplash
Believer. Leader. Learner. Advocate. Writer. Speaker. Coach. Mentor. Triathlete. Encourager. Survivor.
Most of all, I am a fellow traveler on the rocky road called, Trauma Recovery. My mission is to minimize the effects of trauma for survivors in the workplace.
Thank you for sharing. You did a great job sharing.
It was very educational.
I learned a lot from it.
Thanks for the free education.
Nice Job.
I really enjoyed reading this.
It was very educational.
Thank you for your kind words, Gerald. I appreciate that. I’m glad it was a help to you. I am curious…what was the one main thing that helped you the most from this article? Is there something else you would like me to cover?
I have gone into a freeze state at work when one of my bosses talked to me in the same exact tone as an abusive relative did as a child. I didn’t understand that I was having a trauma response at the time, I just wondered why I suddenly couldn’t think. Your work is very important. Thank you.
Cheryl, thank you so much for sharing your experience. It can be quite disconcerting when you don’t understand why you are reacting a certain way to a particular situation. I’m glad you figured it out. The free tricker tracker tool that I have at the end of my article may help you create awareness of other triggers in the workplace. I hope it helps. Let me know if there are other topics you would like me to cover.