Counselling for toxic work environment

As workloads have increased over the past couple of decades, there has been a rapid increase in work-related stress and the psychological problems that arise from the condition.

Occupational stress causes tension, anger, and anxiety. People can become depressed and “burnt-out”. Left untreated, the condition can lead to absenteeism and feelings of job insecurity that can result in a vicious circle of symptoms.

Fortunately, research indicates that psychological interventions designed to reduce occupational stress are highly successful, leading to a distinct improvement in the quality of work life.

What are some of the signs?

Physical:
Fatigue
Muscular tension
Headaches
Heart palpitations
Stomach upsets
Disturbed sleep
Poorer work performance

Cognitive:
Reduced ability to concentrate or make decisions
Diminished creativity and initiative
Disinterest and Isolation at work
Emotional
Depression
Anxiety
Feeling discouraged and low in confidence
Irritability and lowered frustration tolerance
Feelings of being overwhelmed and unable to cope
Aggression

When to seek professional assistance

If you’re experiencing stress from any of the following, it’s worth seeing one of our expert psychologists at Type a Thought for early assessment and treatment:

Stress from performing the job at hand. (i.e. boring or repetitive work; too much to do in a short amount of time; not enough training or support; unrealistic expectations and tight deadlines and lack of adequate resources or equipment).

Stress from working relationships and the work culture. (i.e. unhealthy relationships with colleagues; bullying or harassment; oppressive micro-managing; discrimination or lack of feedback and consultation from manager or supervisors and feeling it emotionally unsafe to voice opinions).

Stress from poor working conditions (i.e. crammed and poor work environment; dealing with people in distress;, inflexible work schedules and long hours; organisational restructuring and poor OH&S).

Psychologists often use a combination of evidence-based approaches that can be tailored to target the type of stress you may be experiencing.

These well-researched interventions aim to change patterns of negative unhelpful thinking and unhelpful behaviour and the person’s response to life events that may trigger work stress. Common treatments include Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-based therapy and Relaxation Therapy. More information typeathought.com

Counselling for Parents With Terminally ill Children

We have heard people dying soon after they have been diagnosed with something that is impossible to cure. There seems to be no positive prognosis and the person is left with very less time to live. Terminal illness is a disease that cannot be cured or adequately treated and that is reasonably expected to result in the death of the patient within a short period of time. This term is more commonly used for progressive diseases such as cancer or advanced heart disease than for trauma. In popular use, it indicates a disease that will soon progress until death with near absolute certainty, regardless of treatment.

A patient who has such an illness may be referred to as a terminal patient, terminally ill or simply terminal. Often, a patient is considered terminally ill when their estimated life expectancy is six months or less, under the assumption that the disease will run its normal course.

Terminal illness can happen to any person, child or an adult. When children are diagnosed with a terminal illness, the main focus is managing symptoms so a child can enjoy a high quality of life for as long as possible. Parents play a crucial role in helping a child continue to live a fulfilling and comfortable life .

It is very important for parents to be open and honest to the child about his illness. This will give the child less anxiety when he is aware as to what is happening and he would know what to expect. A child should be allowed to discuss his or her fears and questions. Knowing how your child views death will help you understand how to respond to these questions. Get info on child counselling click here.

How can you meet the child’s needs?

Although parents often feel powerless caring for a child with terminal disease, you can take steps to help meet your child's psychosocial and physical needs.

•         Give your child time to play and engage in other age-appropriate activities, such as watching television, reading, or exploring the outdoors.

•         Encourage your child to continue attending school, even if he or she cannot attend full time. If your child must miss school for a long time, ask the teacher to have the class write letters, draw pictures, or make videos.

•         Encourage your child to maintain friendships and other meaningful relationships.

•         Encourage your child to continue setting goals. Short-term goals, such as learning to read or taking a special trip, help children gain a sense of achievement and give meaning to their lives.

How can the parents find support for themselves?

It is very difficult for the parents to outlive their children. However, caring for a person with a terminal illness can have distressing effects. Following tips may help the parents cope:

• It is important to talk with your partner, family members, or friends about your feelings and fears. It is normal to experience emotions such as anger, guilt, and frustration.

• Spending as much time with the child is very important.

• Can also seek therapy from a psychologist or can enrol for the support groups that are meant for parents of children with terminal illness.