July 18, 2024
Employee Wellness
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Trauma, at its most basic, is an emotional response to a terrible event or sustained adversity. We all carry some form of trauma — which is why every company should build trauma-informed support into its Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often a fear response that entwines with our body’s “fight/flight” systems.
Life after trauma can be daunting and heavy, and neglecting your emotions won’t help you heal. Being conscious about these issues — and regularly checking in on team wellness — is essential.
This piece unpacks what PTSD is, how symptoms show up, and ways to rebuild life after trauma while you’re still processing your emotions.
Contrary to popular belief, PTSD isn’t only triggered by single catastrophic events. It can emerge from chronic stressors (e.g., growing up around constant shouting or conflict) as well as assault, accidents, disasters, or war.
What matters is perceived threat and helplessness, plus how our nervous system encoded that experience.
1) Re-experiencing
Unwanted memories, nightmares, or “flashbacks.” Cues like a TV scene, a smell, or a news story can trigger vivid reliving.
2) Avoidance
Steering clear of places, people, conversations, or media linked to the trauma. Avoidance can temporarily reduce distress but often keeps PTSD going.
3) Hyperarousal / reactivity
Irritability, startle, sleep problems, concentration issues — sometimes without an obvious trigger. Panic attacks can occur and, while frightening, they also spotlight situational triggers to work through in therapy.
Common “numbing” tactics
People often try to numb (isolate, overwork, alcohol/drug misuse) or avoid reminders to blunt pain. These strategies can spill over onto relationships and work — and they delay recovery.
PTSD is not rare. Risk is higher for some groups (e.g., military service, sexual or domestic violence survivors), for people directly exposed to trauma or serious injury, and for those with prior mental health conditions.
Witnessing harm to loved ones can also be traumatic (and may create “secondary trauma” dynamics in families/teams).
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all “cure,” but there are proven treatments:
Recovery can be full or partial; symptoms often improve with the right mix of supports, though a portion of people develop chronic PTSD without treatment.
Partners, children, and colleagues can experience secondary stress — feeling like they’re living the trauma alongside the person.
High-functioning survivors may still struggle with memory, attention, and processing speed on hard days, which affects work and relationships. Compassionate boundaries, education, and structured support help both the survivor and their support network.
First step: consider a professional evaluation if you recognise these patterns. A formal diagnosis clarifies next steps.
Talk therapies help you process safely; medications can stabilise mood/anxiety/sleep when appropriate; and skills (grounding, breath, body-based regulation) build your window of tolerance.
If you experience panic symptoms (racing heart, chest pain), consult a clinician to rule out medical causes.
Ways to support a loved one with PTSD
Source: South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).
Medical disclaimer: This article is for education, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. If you think you or someone you know might have PTSD, please seek a qualified healthcare professional — or use the crisis numbers above if there’s immediate risk.
Promote Balance provides integrated people solutions designed to help organisations build healthy, high-performing workplaces. Our services span three core pillars — Employee Wellness, Leadership & Management Development, and People & Talent Solutions — offering everything from workplace counselling and team building to leadership training, executive coaching, recruitment, and psychometric assessments. We’re committed to creating balanced, productive, and resilient teams. Be it you’re in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Sandton, Rosebank, Midrand, Centurion, Randburg, Roodepoort, Soweto, Fourways, Bryanston, Kempton Park, Boksburg, Benoni, Germiston, Krugersdorp, or other areas across Gauteng, we can help.
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