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 perpe-
trators 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