Medical Whistleblower Brochures 12 Effects Of Whistleblower Retaliation

Psychological Violence Common Symptoms of PTSD Whistleblower Retaliation is a form of "There's only one way of dealing with stress - that's to abuse or assault (psychological vio- identify the cause and then work to reduce or eliminate that cause.” Tim Field lence), which has serious and devas- Whistleblower tating consequences not only for Retaliation Anxiety and Fear those targeted, but also for any organization within which Anger, Depression it is allowed to prevail. Although it can be an overt form of "Fear not the path abuse, in the workplace the perpetrators usually act cov- Flashbacks /Unwanted, Intrusive & Distressing of truth, for the Memories of Retaliation Events # 12 lack of people ertly and systematically to undermine, control, and (if they walking on it." deem it necessary) to "see off" their targets. It has been Difficulty Concentrating Disorientation Robert F. Kennedy observed that elements of psychological abuse in the Sadness Fatigue Self-blame workplace correspond with elements of torture and have Doubt similar emotional outcomes for the target. The perpetra- Guilt tors are often superficially charming and may appear to Explaining the effects of others to be an asset to the organization. In the workplace, Shame Whistleblower Retaliation the underlying cause of retaliation or bullying is usually Resentment power abuse, with the perpetrators choosing as their tar- Avoidance gets anyone whom they perceive as a threat to their as- Feelings of Betrayal Social Isolation sumed power. When those targeted resist the perpetra- Shutting down or Emotional numbing tors' attempts to control and intimidate them, the perpetrators will simply intensify the abuse until the targets ei- Physical health symptoms Medical Whistleblower ther leave or break down under the stress of what is hap- Medical Whistleblower pening. Anyone may be a Whistleblower if they attempt Supporting the Emotional Health P.O. Box C of all Whistleblowers and their to tell truth to power about a situation of medical fraud, Lawrence, KS 66044 friends, supporters and abuse or neglect (nurse, pharmacist, doctor, veterinarian, families. Phone: 360-809-3058 MedicalWhistleblower@gmail.com researcher, government worker, attorney, police officer, E-mail: MedicalWhistleblower@gmail.com therapist, patent officer, nurses aide or CPA).

of the problem rather than a consequence of it (this is resemble symptoms of mental illness - loss of emotional Complex Post Traumatic Stress sometimes referred to as the "Mental Health Trap"). The control, apparent over-reactions to seemingly trivial stimuli, diagnosis Complex PTSD comes from being exposed to hypervigilance (e.g. being on constant alert for further abuse) etc., may be mistaken for instability, irrational behavior and multiple traumas, sometimes small but causing cumulative paranoia. It is important for supporters to provide a safe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a natural emo- emotional damage over a long period of time. PTSD physical environment, but also emotional safety and be willing tional reaction to a deeply shocking and disturbing experi- changes the diagnosed individual’s life and greatly impacts to accept a wide range of emotions. According to Maslow’s ence. It is a normal reaction to an abnormal situation. Any the lives of those with whom they are close and regularly (1970) hierarchy of needs, the “being needs”, the three human being has the potential to develop PTSD. The cause interact. The explosive rage, depression, isolation, anxiety, higher-order needs, cannot be met until the “deficiency is external not internal. It is a Psychiatric Injury not Mental cognitive difficulties, and lack of vitality combine to cause needs”, the four lower-order needs, are met.. This is critical Illness. It is not resulting from the individual’s personality. loved ones to leave. But a strong support network is es- to relationship building, which will help provide the strong The Whistleblower who is the victim of the retaliation is not sential for healing. Friends and families are an integral part support network that is essential for healing. Recovery inherently weak or inferior. In fact, any human being has the of that network. Trusting relationships are essential to requires a sense of power and control. All relationships potential to develop PTSD. Whistleblower retaliation is combat the dehumanizing effect of trauma. Many therapists should be respectful and empower the Whistleblower to extremely stressful and may lead to burnout or stress break- practice narrative therapy believing this is essential to make choices. The down - which is not the same as nervous or mental break- overcoming the trauma. This how- Whistleblower’s ever is not good for all who are symptoms and down; as stated above, everyone breaks down under the behaviors are ad- stress of a life altering trauma that is deeply wounding. Thus suffering from PTSD because it aptations to individuals suffering PTSD are injured, not mentally ill. forces them to relive the events of the trauma. Some peo- trauma, so services PTSD indicates severe trauma and stress which causes a ple do better never narrating the trauma and should in- should address all weakness in the individual, and not the reverse. This is con- stead focus on coping techniques to deal with triggers. A of the Whistle- fusing for mental health practitioners and laypersons alike. trigger is something that causes memory flashbacks and blower’s needs rather than just symptoms. But the distinction is important if mental health practitioners intrusive thoughts of the previous trauma. Under extreme desire to assist a traumatized victim. Too often reactions or prolonged stress people of a previously very strong Medical Whistleblower P.O. Box C which are normal under excessive or prolonged stress are constitution may become unassertive, over-anxious, com- Lawrence, KS 66044 assumed to be signs of abnormality or deficiency within the pliant and unable to cope with even the most trivial of Phone: 360-809-3058 person affected, which may then be assumed to be the cause stressors. A person's reactions under stress may E-mail: MedicalWhistleblower@gmail.com

Medical Whistleblower Brochures 12 Effects Of Whistleblower Retaliation

by MedicalWhistleblower on Aug 26, 2009

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Medical Whistleblower Brochures 12 Effects Of Whistleblower Retaliation — Presentation Transcript