Traumatized by Coworkers' Insensitivity
I need everyone's feedback. I experienced a traumatic experience at work last week due to very insensitive coworkers.
A couple of coworkers decided to "prank" another coworker who was afraid of blood so they purchased fake blood and staged a suicide (cutting of the wrists) to "scare" him. Everyone laughed and thought it was so funny. I was not present for the prank but was told in detail what they had done. I went into shock and had to leave work for the day. I'm back today and every apprehensive!!!
Does anyone have good advice and feelings about this experience?
Appreciate any help you can give!
Thanks! Dee
A couple of coworkers decided to "prank" another coworker who was afraid of blood so they purchased fake blood and staged a suicide (cutting of the wrists) to "scare" him. Everyone laughed and thought it was so funny. I was not present for the prank but was told in detail what they had done. I went into shock and had to leave work for the day. I'm back today and every apprehensive!!!
Does anyone have good advice and feelings about this experience?
Appreciate any help you can give!
Thanks! Dee
Replies
That;s not funny at all. I would have to take a step back. I don\'t know the circumstances of your work so I don\'t know what is appropriate; if the setting was an office, etc. Anyway or anywhere; death is not a joking subject and to scare someone knowing they are scared; I can only say the co-workers are not taking their work seriously. Would it also be funny if someone brought a plastic gun and staged a shooting? It\'s funny to make a joke but I just don\'t see the humor in this especially since suicide is not funny at all.
I had a similar situation and at first I let it go then I decided to talk to the person about it and explain how much pain it caused me and she said,\" OH I did not think of that????\" I guess I have to consider the source....I guess!
I\'m sure they were not trying to upset you. Coworkers and others go about their daily lives without the thought of your experience, and the fact that it stays with you forever. Some won\'t really understand why it upset you so much, while others will be so sorry for being part of it. This would have upset me as well, because we all know that suicide is not a laughing matter and should not be used in such a way, even without knowledge of a personal experience. People just don\'t think sometimes. Hugs to you.
Your work place MUST be one where you feel safe. I would absolutely say something as this was totally inappropriate, out of place and must never happen again. Believe me, there are others who are lacking the courage to speak up and will be ever so grateful that you did. Yet, beyond that there is a teaching moment and there is no place for this ever in any kind of setting! :(
I\'m SO sorry that this kind of insensitive behavior was thought to be humorous and please when you are ready find your voice and speak your truth.
Gentle, gentle care dear Dee and I\'m grateful you brought this here to process as that is what FMO is all about. A safe place to come to BE...
Heartfelt (((hugs)))
XO Joanie
I am so sorry this happened. Not many people think of the level in which this can cause us to regress into our past because they have not lived through such an atrocity. I am sending you tight hugs of compassion to help you make it through however long this traumatizes you. If you are comfortable and can speak up about this in your workplace, it may bring peace to your heart. Leda
thanks everyone. The most distressing part is our work culture specifically spells out this is totally unacceptable. They would never \"prank\" on other sensitive issues. Also, my boss, an attorney whose position is to ensure all employees are in a safe environment, participated in the prank, laughing all the way. I appreciate everyone\'s comments and loving words of support. Dee
Your boss had a human moment and was clearly caught up in the moment and NOT thinking! Center in your heart, give yourself time and the right action to take will come in. Trust this process, Dee because you DO need to feel safe when you come to work each day and this kind of behavior can bring on severe PTSD moments for anyone because you are wondering, worrying and not sure of what other boundary might be crossed.
Gentle care and oh, so very SORRY about this. Deepest of sighs...
XO Joanie
Oh dear Dee, I totally agree with Joanie and the other moms on this issue. Although the action was thoughtless and may have been done without malice, it was totally unacceptable and inappropriate.
Tight hugs for peace and comfort,
Diane
The prank is bad enough..but if you had not seen it, who thought that telling you about it in detail was a good idea..good grief, I will pray for you to wipe that thing out of your mind.. Lauri
How awful. I truly hope that you are able to express to your boss the insensitivity of this situation...unbelievable. Love and gentle hugs...Karen
I have never heard of employees in a good company. Doing such a horrible act. I think if it was me I would just keep quiet. You said your boss was in it to so you can.t complain to him. And these kind of people could turn on you and all the stress that would cause you.. hugs snd love maryann
I am so sorry. That was totally insensitive and inappropriate. Hugs, Paula
Insensitive people make me so mad......do they live in a bubble and only think of themselves? I\'m so sorry......((((hugs)))) Vicki
Thank you. I appreciate your support. It has been a very stressful time at work!
your boss is an attorney and thought it was funny,,, how sad is that,,,, so sorry for so many people around you that are insensitive and unthinking... love ya!