Job Loss, Trauma, and PTSD

As more and more people face job loss and fear of the future, those affected can go through physical, emotional, and spiritual upheaval. Often the feeling of confusion, pain, and loss of control can trigger earlier traumatic experiences. Many of us, particularly men, tend to keep our feelings inside and try to handle things ourselves, but we often need outside support if we are going to re-establish a healthy balance in our lives. 

What is the difference between a normal reaction to a traumatic event and PTSD?

Individuals can experience a wide array of reactions to a traumatic event, ranging from relatively mild to emotional responses severe enough to create major disruptions in their life. It is important to remember that most emotional and behavioral responses are normal reactions to an abnormal event.

A job loss or even the threat of a job loss, can trigger mixed and confusing feelings. It is very common for people to experience anxiety, fear, shock, and grief, as well as emotional numbness and personal or social disconnection for several weeks.

For most people, the emotional and behavioral responses to a trauma gradually diminish. It is often helpful to speak with family and loved ones about what happened, express one's feelings about the event, and get support from trusted friends and colleagues and perhaps a mental health professional.

For some people exposed to trauma, disturbing symptoms can persist or even worsen, developing into the syndrome known as PTSD. A syndrome is a constellation of symptoms that consistently occur together and thereby define a condition.