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2020

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# Trauma and Toxic Stress

LeChrista M. Finn, Associate Professor/Health Specialist

Trauma is the response to a deeply distressing event that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, decreases their ability to feel the full range of emotions and experiences.

## Different Types of Trauma Include:

• Grief

• Health Conditions

• Natural Disasters

• Community Violence

• Domestic Violence

• Bullying

• Racism

• Abuse and Neglect

• Harassment

Divorce

• Financial Loss

## Research Tells Us That:

• Stressful working conditions set the stage for injuries at work.

• Depression and burnout are caused at various stress levels.

- Mentally demanding jobs that allow employees little control over the work process increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

- Stress also increases the risk for development of back and upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders.

## Early Warning Signs Stressful Working Conditions:

• Headaches

• Upset stomach

• Sleep disturbances

Job dissatisfaction

• Difficulty in concentrating

Low morale

• Short tempers

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UPSET TIRED DEPRESSION HEADACHE CRISIS DISCOMFORT

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## Strategies to Improve Overall Health and Reduce Stress in the Work Place:

• Exercise regularly. Thirty minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise is recommended for adults five times a week.

- Maintain good nutrition by eating fruits and vegetables daily.

- Recognize when experiences interfere with your ability to function.

- Your mental health can affect your work and relationships; recognize when you are not in the right state of mind.

- Be aware of how your emotions cause you to react or respond.

• Communicate with other team members and supervisors for support.

- Manage workloads by prioritizing realistically.

• Have balance between work and family or personal life.

• Develop a support network with family, friends and/or coworkers.

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Stress poses a threat to the health of all employees.

It impacts a person's PHYSICAL and MENTAL well-being and can even lead to injury.

## Additional Resources:

www.cdc.gov

Kentucky State University Human Resources Department: (502) 597-6438

Abuse, Fruad, Threat, Theft Hotline: (888) 298-4035