Understanding PTSD: Beyond Crime and into Occupational Trauma
PTSD is not only experienced after a crime: Occupational and Secondary Trauma
I needed a locksmith the other day, and as we were chatting, he told me that he had opened at least eighteen locked doors behind which people had committed suicide. This is not a job that you would typically consider prone to PTSD. The problem is that locksmiths continue to do the work at other people’s homes or businesses, never knowing if the next door they open could reveal another tragedy.
Occupational Hazards: Trauma in the Workplace
Many professions carry a hidden burden of trauma. People who fix telephone poles often work in dangerous areas and face hijacking or attacks. Domestic workers run the gauntlet on their way to work, often targeted by criminals. Police personnel, medical professionals, and ambulance drivers witness serious injuries and death daily. Even those in funeral services are not immune to the psychological impact of their work.
What we have learnt is that you don’t have to experience a shocking event yourself; witnessing it can be just as traumatising. For those in these careers, the challenge is that they must continue on the same path, often pushing their feelings underground to cope with the next shift.
How the Body Absorbs Trauma
Our emotions have to go somewhere. Often, our bodies absorb the shock. You may feel stiff and sore, particularly in the neck and shoulders. The brain and gut are interconnected, meaning many people experience stomach issues like constipation or diarrhoea.
Other common symptoms include:
- General malaise and lack of energy
- Changes in sleep and eating habits
- Increased irritability or aggression
- Withdrawal from social circles and family
- Difficulty concentrating at work or even watching a series
Secondary Trauma and Family Impact
There is also ‘Secondary Trauma,’ where those close to a survivor begin to experience symptoms too. If a neighbour is burgled, you may find yourself checking your own locks multiple times. This is a normal human reaction.
What affects one person often affects the whole family. It is often very useful if a spouse comes to a counselling session so they can understand that their partner’s reaction isn’t personal, it is a physiological response that is bigger than them.
The Value of Professional Support
One trauma often brings up old, unresolved issues from the past. We may automatically respond to stress the way we did as children until we gain insight through counselling. Without support, many people turn to negative self-soothing, such as heavy drinking, road rage, or excessive spending.
Counselling helps you understand and manage these symptoms. I also run confidential ‘Guilt and Shame’ workshops and groups for people facing similar difficulties, including crime, divorce, and bereavement, to help them see they are not alone.
If you cannot access counselling immediately, reading about PTSD can help you understand your feelings. My book, Surviving Crime, also explains the PTSD process and ways to mitigate symptoms. Remember, no issue is too small to address, and everyone’s journey is different.
Author: Debbi Rozowsky Debbi is a published Cape Town–based counsellor with over 28 years’ experience in trauma, anxiety, grief, and life challenges. She offers a calm, compassionate, and practical approach to healing.
You Don’t Have to Carry the Burden Alone. Whether you are facing trauma from your profession or a specific life event, professional support can help you reclaim your well-being. Debbi Rozowsky provides a safe, non-judgemental space to process your experiences and learn healthy management tools.
