⚠️ Recovering from Workplace Trauma: A Guide for Federal Employees
By: Dr. Jenn Merthe-Grayson, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Workplace trauma can be sudden - like an accident or assault - or it can build slowly through chronic stress, repeated exposure to risk, or ongoing pressure. Federal employees, especially those in USPS, TSA, VA, DHS, and law enforcement, face unique occupational hazards that can deeply affect mental health.
If you’re struggling after a workplace incident, your reaction is real - and recovery is possible. 💛
🚨 What Counts as Workplace Trauma?
Accidents or injuries
Threats or assaults
Witnessing traumatic events
Chronic exposure to danger
Hostile or high-stress environments
Near-miss incidents
Injury leading to chronic pain
Your body keeps the score, even when you push through.
📌 Common Emotional Signs of Workplace Trauma
😴 Sleep problems
⚡ Being easily startled
🙂 Emotional numbness
😞 Depression
😰 Anxiety
🚫 Avoiding reminders of the incident
🤯 Trouble concentrating
😤 Irritability or anger
These symptoms are normal trauma responses - not personal failures.
💙 OWCP Covers Trauma Therapy 100%
Many federal workers don’t know that OWCP fully covers therapy for trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, and emotional injury related to workplace events.
As an OWCP psychologist, I provide:
CA-16 trauma treatment
Therapy for workplace stress + emotional injury
Documentation for OWCP claims
Progress notes + treatment plans
Narrative reports
Your healing is not an out-of-pocket burden.
🌿 How Therapy Helps You Heal
Understand your trauma response
Reduce symptoms that disrupt daily life
Restore confidence and emotional strength
Prepare for return-to-work when appropriate
Reconnect with your identity beyond the injury
You deserve to feel safe, grounded, and whole again.
🔵 If you’ve experienced workplace trauma, you don't have to navigate recovery alone - OWCP covers the support you need.
Let’s start your healing process together.