Meeting where I could be triggered

[alwaysworkingthruit]

So I was at a meeting at my work delivered by the Emergency Team, and was told that since we were going to discuss workplace shootings, those employees with PTSD should feel free to leave to avoid discomfort. Ummmmm. . . Am I being overly reactive if I felt like mentioning that SPECIFIC diagnosis is insensitive? Like could I genuinely feel comfortable then walking out??? WTH

 

[OpenForSuggestions]

Speaking from experience as one who perpetually has their foot in their mouth, yes, that was insensitive.

Workplaces are pretty awesome for that. Take comfort in knowing it's not just you, they behave like an a** on many levels with many different ppl, most of the time unknowingly, (hitting on multiple different levels of ethics and diversity with precision like Miley Cyrus coming through on her wrecking ball) (squint your eyes, put your hand to your forehead and enjoy the show).

If it made you feel uncomfortable, and you are okay with other ppl knowing your struggle is trauma-based, you could go up to them afterwards and just let them know, give them a gentle heads-up. Because, again speaking from experience, they usually don't know.

 

[alwaysworkingthruit]

This is so true. I appreciate you helping me put it in perspective, especially because I try not to see myself as a victim. But as a result, I'm always questioning whether I'm being overly sensitive or reactive. So thank you

 

[The Albatross]

Am I being overly reactive if I felt like mentioning that SPECIFIC diagnosis is insensitive? Like could I genuinely feel comfortable then walking out???

Yeah, overactive. I think perhaps so far as the "feeling genuinely comfortable walking out thing"... you mistake a content disclaimer for something more personal. The perceptional differences though are yours, therefore so is the reactivity. Worth examination.

 

[alwaysworkingthruit]

Thank you.

 

[The Albatross]

It is good to observe the reactivity wherever/whenever it occurs... then look for other perspectives to subject it to scrutiny and check the perspective. You're welcome... and it's a good question k?

 

[alwaysworkingthruit]

Most definitely. Thanks again?

 

[Digz]

I think it's okay to feel that wasn't the most sensitive way to handle it and if you're comfortable giving feedback, I would do so. I would say a much better way to handle that would be to give you an individual heads-up before the meeting, this allows you to leave at the appropriate time should you choose and it is not obvious why you are leaving to all around. I have had a variety of experiences in workplaces with some much more considered in their approach and others just completely ignorant, borderline arrogant. The best individuals try to be understanding and are open to suggestions that will help your wellbeing if approached politely. If you feel brave enough, I don't think saying something like the following is out of line... "Thank you for your consideration of me in that meeting, I really appreciated it. Would it be okay next time, if you have the opportunity, could you speak to me individually beforehand? It might just make me feel more comfortable when I leave as I can do so more inconspicuously." Good luck with it. :)

 

[Neverthesame]

Depending on what the meeting is supposed to cover, it could be polite to provide an out for sensitive employees, or grossly inappropriate.

Is it to work out an emergency plan for the people working there? In such a case, excluding anyone would be a occupational health and safety issue.
I might come off as callous, but there's a reason why safety plans are put in place in job sites the world over.
I wouldn't excuse an employee from attending a meeting outlining a evacuation plan in the event of a fire, because they have PTSD. That's just insane.
What a horrible thing to do to someone, should the building catch fire. Can you imagine leaving someone to figure it out, crawling on their hands and knees, blind, terrified, lost and choking to death, to spare them some bad feelings?
Utter nonsense.

If safety meetings such as for fires upset someone so much that they cannot attend? They may not be in a good enough place psychologically to be in the workplace. Or else they should be encouraged (privately) to seek help, either on their own or using a workplace provided confidential counselling service, if one is provided.

Opting out of what are usually mandatory occupational health and safety meetings, should not be an option in my opinion.

If the meeting is just to discuss the possible motives of another shooting elsewhere? Or whether or not any current employees fit a profile?
Unless you're HR or loss prevention, I can't think why any such meeting would be in any way appropriate. I'm assuming it's the former safety plan meeting right?

 

[alwaysworkingthruit]

CONTEXT:All of the emergency protocol had been covered, and there was a video to be shown of a simulated workplace shooting. The offer was made to allow for employees with PTSD opting out of watching the video.
I agree that emergency plans are essential, as well as communicating them to staff.
My intent in posting about this topic is to gauge whether I'm being overly sensitive to them excusing, specifically, those with PTSD.

 

[Ronin]

I read it as taking offense where not intended.

That was disability/trauma mindful, very considerate, heads up...
In no way telling anyone to leave, or singling out.

So not excusing from participating en masse...
Leaving it to your own discretion & trusting you to make the right decision for yourself/es.

 

[Neverthesame]

Ah, gotcha. Thanks for the context.

Given the context, I'd think it better had they left out the specific disorder. If the video isn't providing specific necessary information, there's no reason to specify, as anyone should be allowed to opt out of watching it for any reason. Including: Wanting a cigarette break, getting back to work, irrational hatred of cheesy work videos, epilepsy, boredom, narcolepsy, pneumonic plague... ect ect. (you get the idea).
Or just get rid of the video entirely, save a few wasted minutes of productivity.