During challenging times or traumatic events, organizations can do a lot to support employees. NAMI encourages people to bring their whole selves to work, which includes their mental health. As employers, it’s important to acknowledge what’s happening outside of the workplace, its potential impact on employee wellness, and support employees so that they can continue to do their best work.
What is Trauma?
When your employees experience something challenging or traumatic, maintain a position of compassion and empathy. Learn about different trauma-related terms and how to appropriately use them here.
Trauma occurs when a person is threatened by or directly experiences an intensely distressing event, such as an assault or the death of a loved one. People experience trauma in different ways, even when exposed to the same traumatic event. Experiencing trauma may or may not result in a clinical diagnosis.
Indirect trauma occurs when a person sees or hears about a traumatic event from another person or on the news or social media. Frequently, a person who works directly with those who have experienced trauma will face indirect trauma, such as journalists, front-line workers, or first responders.
Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) describes a typical, temporary response to a traumatic or highly stressful event. It includes reactions like feeling on edge, experiencing flashbacks or nightmares, and feeling temporarily disconnected. These experiences can naturally subside over time as individuals process the experience and regain a sense of safety.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a clinical condition that may develop if a traumatic experience persists for more than a month and significantly interferes with daily life. PTSD is characterized by experiences that are more severe and persistent, including:
re-experiencing the trauma (through intrusive memories or nightmares)
avoidance of reminders of the event
negative changes in mood and thoughts
chronic physical or emotional pain, and heightened arousal (e.g., being easily startled or having trouble concentrating)
It is important to note, this term can feel stigmatizing to some and should not be used lightly. Learn more about PTSD online.
Tips for supporting employee mental health during difficult times:
Recognize the world outside work. Start by openly acknowledging what is happening in the world around us – and that it is likely impacting employee wellness day-to-day. This can be done with an all-staff message from leadership, through town halls, or through other communication channels. Lead with empathy and compassion.
Raise awareness of concerning signs. NAMI provides a wide range of resources about the signs of mental health concerns, which may appear after a traumatic event. How those signs show up at work can differ from person to person, but often include changes in how a person feels, looks, acts, or thinks.
Everyone’s experience is unique, and there is no “right” way to respond to trauma.
Tips for supporting employee mental health during difficult times:
Encourage conversations in a psychologically safe workplace. While bringing up challenging or traumatic topics may seem intimidating for employers, doing so can help people feel more supported and heard, strengthening organizational culture.
Creating a psychologically safe space to have these conversations is critical.
Provide internal and external resources.
Make employees aware of available resources, including Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services, crisis hotlines, the NAMI HelpLine, community resources, and other sources for employees to learn about and manage trauma.
Resources
988: For a mental health or suicidal crisis, call or text 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org.
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress,prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices forprofessionals in the United States.
Press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line
Press 2 for Spanish services
Press 3 for LGBTQI+ support
1-800-985-5990: The Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24-hour, toll-free crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Visit SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline.
NAMI HelpLine: Open Monday-Friday 10 am ET – 10 pm ET, call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), text “HelpLine” to 62640, email [email protected], or chat online at nami.org.
Find Your Local NAMI: For community resources, support groups, educational classes, and more. Go to nami.org/local.
For more risk management resources, contact INSURICA today.
This is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice. ©2026 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved