Fact Sheets:
Guidelines for Handling Crisis in the Workplace
- Accept your distress. Roll with the tides of it. Do not try to be
"brave." Take time to cry. This applies to everyone - strong men and
women can and do cry.
- Don't label yourself "abnormal." You are having normal reactions
to an abnormal event. Most individuals in similar situations will
react the same way.
- Don't try to resist recurring thoughts about the incident. These
are normal and will eventually begin to fade.
- Talk about it. Share your distress within your family - do not
attempt to protect them with silence. Find a friend to talk to,
someone who will listen without passing judgment. Share your
feelings with other individuals who were affected by the same or
similar feelings.
- Keep a journal. Measure your own thoughts.
- Keep busy. Do purposeful work that occupies the mind. Avoid
frantic activity and make sure you get plenty of rest.
- Eat well. At this time, your body needs good nourishment more
than ever. Be good to yourself.
- Exercise regularly. Distress can be lightened a little by the
biochemical changes brought by exercise. And, you will sleep better.
An hour-long walk everyday is ideal for many people.
- Get rid of imagined guilt. You did the best you could at the
time, all things considered. If you made mistakes, learn to accept
that we are all imperfect. Only hindsight is 20/20. If feelings of
guilt persist or you feel increasingly uncomfortable, consider seeking
counseling.
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