Nemo,
I choose to keep things on the down low. Some of my co-workers know. Of those people, my disclosure has mostly served to protect me from having to do CPR. They won't expect me nor ask me to work a code. This has greatly eased the anxiety and stress of going to work. My boss knows too. Although embarassing and shameful, I had to somehow explain the uncharacteristic behaviors. At one time, I also had to ask for a task re-assignment at work. Surpisingly, so far everyone has been supportive. Only time will tell if this supportiveness is sustained.
I can understand your desire to help your fellows through self-disclosure. For myself, that endeavor carries way too much risk- dangerously self-sacrificing. I would be more willing to use my experience to help others with similar careers in a safer venue such as a Critical Incident team. Probably too late, but I did talk to someone from the debriefing team. His years of EMS service gave him a level of credibility and unique bond that I couldn't have with someone who hasn't been in the same trenches. The conversation I had with him was quite meaningful.
I would imagine that there is a way to help myself and my co-workers without full disclosure. Maybe as a part of dealing with work differently than I have before, that will include sharing with my co-workers my reactions and how it affected me and how I am dealing with it. Maybe this alone can help them face it and deal with it too. I don't know... who knows?
I hope that in whatever you choose to do, that it works out best for you.
Take care,
tude
I choose to keep things on the down low. Some of my co-workers know. Of those people, my disclosure has mostly served to protect me from having to do CPR. They won't expect me nor ask me to work a code. This has greatly eased the anxiety and stress of going to work. My boss knows too. Although embarassing and shameful, I had to somehow explain the uncharacteristic behaviors. At one time, I also had to ask for a task re-assignment at work. Surpisingly, so far everyone has been supportive. Only time will tell if this supportiveness is sustained.
I can understand your desire to help your fellows through self-disclosure. For myself, that endeavor carries way too much risk- dangerously self-sacrificing. I would be more willing to use my experience to help others with similar careers in a safer venue such as a Critical Incident team. Probably too late, but I did talk to someone from the debriefing team. His years of EMS service gave him a level of credibility and unique bond that I couldn't have with someone who hasn't been in the same trenches. The conversation I had with him was quite meaningful.
I would imagine that there is a way to help myself and my co-workers without full disclosure. Maybe as a part of dealing with work differently than I have before, that will include sharing with my co-workers my reactions and how it affected me and how I am dealing with it. Maybe this alone can help them face it and deal with it too. I don't know... who knows?
I hope that in whatever you choose to do, that it works out best for you.
Take care,
tude
