Today's Tips
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1. Keep a broad perspective on the economic situation. Avoid tunnel vision as it distorts reality.
2. Managers and supervisors:
refine your skills if you have to layoff employees. Ensure that you
have the appropriate tools and skills to be sensitive and realistic to
those people being terminated from the business, as well as those
remaining behind.
3. Share your thoughts and feelings with people you can trust. If you do not have someone close to you, talk to a professional or call a crisis hot line.
4. Remember to value your loved ones; in the end it is people, not money, that make us happy.
5. Apply basic self care on a regular and dedicated basis. Get fresh air and exercise; eat healthily; reduce alcohol intake and other addictive trends.
6. Make time for enjoyment and relaxation.
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Economic Stress & Trauma
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January/2009 |
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Dear ,
Happy New Year! With every new year comes the promise of new goals, new accomplishments, and, unfortunately, new difficulties. The economic crisis of 2008 will no doubt bring struggle and anxiety for many in this coming year. We aim to assist as much as we can during these hard times by providing helpful information about how to understand and cope with the trauma accompanying the state of our country's economy.
As
we are all too well aware, the current U.S. economy is in a major crisis whose
effects can be felt the country over. As a result, many have lost their jobs,
their money, educational opportunities and stability. Others who have been spared
those losses still live in constant fear of eventually sharing the same fate. The trauma of these events incur heavy consequences on an individual's
psyche and sense of well-being. Whether an individual is directly involved in
the event or not is a weak indicator of the impact it will have on a person. The resultant impact on businesses is exponentially higher.The
immensity of the crisis our nation currently faces will without a doubt be a
major cause of stress and strife for individuals and businesses combined.
For some, the economic crisis will be a terrifying wake-up call, while others may only see its impact in different areas of their daily life. But whether we have personally felt the impact of the economic crisis or
not, it is necessary to reflect on what we give importance and value to
in our lives. At the end of the day, the things and people that matter most are going to be around through thick and thin. And that's what counts.
In the times ahead, take courage and do not forget to take
care of yourself.
Warmest wishes,
Vanessa & Wilma
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A Different View of the Economic Crisis
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A recent front page article in the San Francisco Chronicle told the story of Eric Von der Porten who took his life as a result of the economic downturn. Von der Porten experienced intense emotional struggle in coping with his sense of responsibility for other people's money, coupled with his own history of depression. Suicide is not an unfamiliar fallout to economic distress. The Great Depression opened up the world to despair
and hopelessness where the ability to cope was compromised and often gave way to desperate measures.
The current economic situation promotes a sense of insecurity which destabilizes people who previously appeared solid, secure, capable and resilient. This economic crisis is not just about layoffs, buy-outs, the stock market roller coaster or bankruptcy. It is about people. Whether it is loss of job or loss of money, real people are impacted and have to face this depressing reality.
It is normal during this economic crisis to experience emotions previously unknown. Perhaps one of the most prevalent and uncomfortable experiences is the sense of helplessness and loss of control. It can feel like the ground you stood on has given way and you are in free fall. This state of being can be terrifying and can lead to panic and desperate actions. It is so important to know that you are not alone in these times; that other people - colleagues, friends, business associates - may also be going through similar struggles. Many people put on a show of bravado while beneath the surface they are in their own personal hell. The idea is to not lose perspective but to share your experiences with those you can trust. When we stand together, supported and understood, we gain the power and resiliency to triumph even in the harshest circumstances.
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Job Loss 
One of the most tangible impacts of the economic crisis is
the amount of job loss. Businesses big and small may fight to stay afloat at
the expense of their employees. Although workers have little control over when
this will happen or who will be given the pink slip, there are measures you can
take to soften the impact and move through the crisis
Important termination practices include:
- Offer outplacement assistance to reduce
stress.
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Involve employees and allow them to feel some sense of
control.
- Pre-arrange with terminated workers a statement
of separation that details what will be told to prospective employers.
- Employees
being laid off must believe there is a future, and should not see this as the end of employment road.
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We know this is a difficult and scary time. It is our hope that we have
assisted in some way by providing you with useful information. If you
have specific questions or concerns at this time, please do not
hesitate to write to us. We will do our best to be of service to you. Thank you for your continued support for Trauma Outreach Associates.
If there are any topics you would like to see featured in a future
article of Trauma Talk, please let us know and we
will do our best to address them. We appreciate your comments, stories
and thoughts as they will help us refine and enrich the newsletter in
such a way to further benefit you.
Until our next talk, stay healthy and take care.
Warmly,
The Trauma Team
Trauma Outreach Associates, Inc.
Phone: 415.772.9999
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In the next issue...
Cumulative Stress
415.772.9999
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