Workplace triggers and feeling emotionally spent at work
“There can be no transforming of darkness into light and of apathy into movement without emotion.” (C. G. Jung)
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Last week I began exploring the long list of workplace triggers that trauma survivors can, and probably will, come across at work. Since then
posted her own reflections on the topic here, and outlined a list of triggers of her own: observing workplace injustice, suffering or witnessing job loss, toxic relational environments, lack of support during difficult personal times etc. kicked off an impressive series on his own lived experience of the intersection of work and trauma, which I highly recommend. His first article masterfully zooms in the traumatic adaptations that Mike noticed he was bringing to work, some of them in response to the triggers he encountered e.g. facing criticism, negativity or anger.The word trigger gets thrown around a lot, so first a gentle reminder that feeling triggered sucks. Feeling triggered means having a strong, painful emotional and often physical reaction to a situation. Sometimes it means flashbacks, an urge to leave or protest, or paralysis and shutdown.
Reading Mike and Karina’s pieces I recognised a few things.
My own list of triggers was incomplete. Reading other survivors’ reflections helped me go back and reframe some very uncomfortable experiences at work as situations where I was triggered, but I was unaware of it.
The lists of triggers are long! There are so many things that can throw a survivor into emotional turmoil at work. When triggering experiences add up they can make for an overall pretty low and stressful experience at work, which is unsustainable long term.
Some triggers - things like layoffs, sexual harassment, violence - will be identified as disturbing by everyone and may lead to support being offered. But many others - say a harsh boss, an unreasonable client or a tight deadline - will be seen as nothing special in most workplaces, leaving survivors on their own to manage as best they can.
My own list of triggers is irrelevant. What matters is each survivor’s own list, the clarity they have on the things that leave them vulnerable and the game plan they have to respond. We don’t have to keep stepping unprepared into situations that push our buttons and leave us feeling defeated and spent. With awareness and practice we can develop a fresh mindset, and a set of tools and strategies to regain control.
So what are you waiting for? Start your list now. Write down the things that really set you off at work. Or better yet, help others by sharing below 2-3 strategies that have helped you manage triggers in your job.
Thanks for tuning in,
Adina
Adina,
In terms of actual, literal triggers on the job I'd have to say that out-of-control anger is a huge one. Table pounding, door slamming, and more passive expressions of anger will cause us problems all the time.
Layoffs? Absolutely. I understand that you are an HR expert and I cannot imagine how stressful the layoffs are to the HR staff. At my last company I spoke with my HR lead about this and she told me she would be stuck in her car crying her eyes out before summoning the grit to go in the building to handle the inevitable. I just couldn't do it.
Interpersonal conflict - even when it doesn't involve me - is a big one. Especially when people consciously or unconsciously try to manipulate you into choosing sides. "You've got to agree with me! Jack is a poopy head because he won't...". No, I don't *have* to agree to anything, thanks. Sometimes I get sucked in anyways and we end up playing a game of Dysfunctional Family.
Backstabbing. I think that says it all.
I think a lot of people are shocked when grown men throw temper tantrums, throw things around, slam doors, etc. But why should that surprise us? We've seen that at home. And if we have trouble with it there, we will have trouble handling it in the office.
But today was a good day! Nothing completely nuts, we just worked together well and left on a good note. I'm extremely thankful, and hope you had a great day as well.
Take care!
Mike
Your work is valuable, and so are Mike’s honest and open articles. It took me a while to share my stories on a platform like this, but I have no regrets. I will keep writing and expanding on it as the topic is relevant nowadays. Sadly, there is a clear connection between early childhood trauma and workplace trauma. For those of us who have experienced it, the impact runs much deeper—it layers onto our already fragmented selves, intensifying the pain and prolonging recovery.
Coping strategies… I’m smiling—a sad smile—because none of mine truly worked. I just tried harder, worked longer hours, took on more responsibilities, sank deeper into depression, and found myself trapped in the same patterns from childhood, repeating them over and over again. What I know is that a toxic environment is a toxic environment. One needs to just do ones’s best to escape quickly - look for another job. People don t change. I look forward to reading other points of view!