Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) in the Workplace: Understanding, Support, and Recovery

Recognizing PTSI in the Workplace

Public safety personnel regularly face high-stress and potentially traumatic situations. While many develop coping strategies, some experience post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI)—a natural response to overwhelming experiences that can impact well-being and job performance.

PTSI is not a weakness—it is an injury that can heal with the right support. Recognizing signs early and fostering a workplace that prioritizes recovery and resilience can make a meaningful difference.

What is PTSI?

PTSI occurs when a person’s nervous system remains in a heightened state of stress following a traumatic event. Unlike temporary stress reactions, PTSI may persist, affecting thoughts, emotions, and daily functioning.

Common Reactions to Trauma

• Re-experiencing: Flashbacks, distressing memories, or nightmares.

• Avoidance: Steering clear of reminders, conversations, or places linked to the experience.

• Hyperarousal: Feeling on edge, easily startled, or having trouble sleeping.

• Changes in Mood & Thinking: Feelings of guilt, detachment, difficulty concentrating, or loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities.

These reactions are natural responses to traumatic experiences and can improve with time, support, and coping strategies.

How PTSI Affects the Workplace

Work environments can either support healing or contribute to stress. Employees experiencing PTSI may:

• Have difficulty concentrating or remembering tasks due to heightened stress levels.

• Experience increased fatigue linked to disrupted sleep.

• Find emotional distress affecting teamwork and communication.

• Need flexibility to manage triggers or seek care.

Many employees continue working while navigating PTSI, showing remarkable resilience. With understanding and workplace support, they can continue to thrive in their roles.

How Workplaces Can Support Employees with PTSI

A trauma-informed approach ensures that employees feel safe, respected, and supported as they heal.

1. Provide Access to Confidential Mental Health Support

• Offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) with accessible counselling services.

• Normalize seeking help by including mental health in workplace wellness initiatives.

• Encourage peer support networks to reduce isolation and promote connection.

2. Implement Workplace Accommodations

• Allow flexible scheduling or gradual return-to-work plans if needed.

• Provide quiet spaces or adjustments to minimize sensory overload.

• Use clear, structured communication to reduce workplace stress.

3. Foster a Trauma-Informed Culture

• Train managers and HR professionals to recognize signs of distress without judgment.

• Encourage open conversations about well-being, avoiding language that frames PTSI as a deficit.

• Ensure leadership models empathy, patience, and respect for individual coping strategies.

Recovery is Possible: Strengthening Resilience in the Workplace

Healing from PTSI is not about “getting over it”—it’s about regaining stability, connection, and self-trust. Many people with PTSI continue to thrive in their careers with the right support.

With proper accommodations, therapy, and workplace understanding, recovery is not only possible—it’s expected.

By creating a culture of psychological safety, access to care, and respect, workplaces can support healing, reduce stigma, and help employees continue to succeed.

What You Can Do If You or Someone You Know is Experiencing PTSI

If you or a colleague are experiencing symptoms of PTSI, know that support is available and recovery is possible. Taking action early can make a significant difference.

Steps You Can Take:

• Reach out for support – Whether it’s through a trusted peer, manager, or mental health professional, talking about what you're experiencing can help you find the right resources.

• Support a colleague – If you notice signs that a coworker may be struggling, check in with them privately, express your concern without judgment, and encourage them to seek support.

• Utilize workplace resources – Many organizations offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), peer support networks, or wellness programs designed to provide confidential support.

• Seek professional care – Trauma-informed therapy and other evidence-based treatments can help you develop coping strategies and move toward healing.

• Practice self-care and patience – Recovery takes time. Prioritize small, consistent steps that contribute to mental and physical well-being.

No one has to navigate symptoms of trauma alone. With support, understanding, and access to care, individuals can regain control, build resilience, and move forward with confidence.

References

1. American Psychiatric Association. “PTSD.” Accessed 4 March 2025.

2. Bresleau, N., et al. (1998). “Trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder in the community: The Detroit area survey of trauma.” Archives of General Psychiatry, 55(7):626-32.

3. Hamblen, J. (2017). “The 2017 Revised Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD: Recommendations for Psychotherapy.” National Center for PTSD, U.S. Department for Veterans Affairs.

4. Hamblen, J., et al. (2022). “Will it work for me? Developing patient-friendly graphical displays of posttraumatic stress disorder treatment effectiveness.” Journal of Traumatic Stress, 35(3):999-1010.

5. Pietrzak, R., et al. (2011). “Prevalence and Axis I comorbidity of full and partial posttraumatic stress disorder in the United States: Results from Wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions.” Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 25:456–465.

6. Watts, B., et al. (2013). “Meta-analysis of the efficacy of treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.” Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 74(6):e551-e557.