Imagine walking into work one morning, ready to start your day, when something as simple as a loud noise or an unexpected change in routine causes a sudden wave of panic. Your heart races, your thoughts scatter and it feels as if the world around you has shifted in an instant. This is what living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can feel like – an invisible weight that impacts how you see the world, how you react to stress and how you connect with others.

PTSD is not just an overreaction to stress. It’s a mental health condition that stems from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. For many, PTSD arises after life-threatening incidents such as accidents, violence or natural disasters. But it’s also possible to develop PTSD after repeated exposure to less dramatic, but still traumatic, experiences – like sustained workplace stress or witnessing distressing situations over time. It’s like the mind’s smoke detector being set off too many times, so that even the smallest triggers can set it off again, causing feelings of danger, fear and anxiety where none exist.

For someone living with PTSD, the world feels different. It’s as if the mind has been rewired in a way that makes normal experiences into moments of tension or dread. Throughout the working day every task can feel like it might trigger a hidden alarm. The constant vigilance and feeling of being “on edge” can make even the most familiar routine seem overwhelming. This is how unaddressed trauma can affect both the brain and the body, creating an ongoing state of heightened stress that doesn’t easily go away.

In the workplace, PTSD can develop in many ways. It might be triggered by a specific event, like a workplace accident or a violent incident. It could also emerge after years of dealing with stress – long hours, impossible deadlines or a toxic work environment that slowly chips away at someone’s mental health. The challenge with PTSD in the workplace is that often it’s invisible. Just as someone with a broken bone might struggle to perform physical tasks, an employee with PTSD might have difficulty with daily work responsibilities, even though no one can see what they’re going through.

In some workplaces, such as healthcare, emergency services or security, employees are frequently exposed to trauma in the course of their work. They may witness accidents, violence or life-threatening situations, leaving lasting emotional scars. But PTSD doesn’t only affect those in high-risk professions. Employees in other industries can experience PTSD from things like harassment, bullying or even the pressure of high-stakes jobs where the stress is constant and unrelenting. Over time these stressors can build up, leading to a mental and emotional toll that interferes with job performance.

At its core, PTSD disrupts a person’s ability to focus, think clearly, and engage with others. It can lead to flashbacks, where the person feels like they’re re-living the traumatic event, or it might cause them to avoid situations that remind them of the trauma. For instance, someone who has experienced a traumatic event at work might feel a sense of unease during meetings, or struggle to concentrate during periods of high pressure. Hypervigilance, where someone is always “on guard” for danger, can drain energy and make it difficult to relax or focus on tasks.

PTSD can also affect relationships with colleagues. A person might seem withdrawn, irritable or distant, not because they want to be, but because their mind is preoccupied with managing the symptoms of their condition. Their work quality might fluctuate, and they might experience sudden bursts of anger or sadness that seem disproportionate to the situation at hand. For someone struggling with PTSD, even simple office interactions can become overwhelming and the energy required to maintain normalcy at work can be exhausting.

So what can employers do to support workers dealing with PTSD? The key is to create an environment that understands, accommodates and supports mental health, just as employers would for physical injuries. It’s important to remember that PTSD is not something an individual can “just get over,” and it’s not about “fixing” the problem, it’s about providing an environment that helps people recover.

By removing the stigma around mental health, employers can encourage workers to seek help when they need it. Offering mental health resources, such as counselling or employee assistance programs (EAPs) is a tangible way to support workers. In addition to this, flexible hours, the ability to work remotely or even allowing for breaks in a quiet space can help employees manage their symptoms and remain productive without feeling overwhelmed.

Another key area is communication. Managers should work with employees to understand their needs and challenges. Having regular check-ins can help those struggling with PTSD feel heard and supported. It gives them an opportunity to discuss any adjustments they may need to be more comfortable and effective at work.

Just as workplaces provide safety equipment or offer ergonomic desks, they can provide mental health resources and create an atmosphere of care and respect. PTSD offers an opportunity for employers to demonstrate leadership in supporting their workforce. A workplace that prioritises mental health not only helps individuals with PTSD but also strengthens the entire team by creating a culture of empathy and inclusion. Together we can create workplaces where everyone can thrive together.