Preventing PTSD
Not everyone who experiences a potentially traumatic event will develop PTSD.
Protective factors at the individual level that may prevent PTSD from developing or reduce how severe it is include:
- being in continuous contact with and getting support from important people in your life
- identifying as a survivor as opposed to a victim
- engaging in activities that promote positive emotions
- finding positive meaning in the trauma
- helping others in their healing process
- holding the belief that you can manage your feelings and cope.
Protective factors at the workplace level that may prevent someone from developing PTSD or reduce how severe it is include:
- psychologically safe working environment where psychosocial risks are identified and adequately controlled. This includes having controls in place for roles that may be directly or indirectly exposed to potentially traumatic events such as occupational violence or dealing with objectionable material.
- effective supervisors and understanding colleagues. A functional and supportive team environment protects people against psychological harms
- workplace-based early intervention pathways that are clear and accessible to everyone in the workplace.