After Effects

[Little-Red]

I was witness to a woman who tried to commit suicide in the hotel i worked in . It was churning me up inside , i told the manager , who said to blacklist her , along with a barrage of insults about her trying to do it in her hotel. Not once did she ask me if i was ok , i stayed with the women until the ambulance arrived , how i kept it together is beyond me. I i got home , threw up , keep seeing her image , i have nightmares about it , and did mention to manager . I am now not working there , struggling big time , any help would be appreciated.

[Sophie_M]

Hey Little-Red,
Welcome to the Beyond Blue community, 

We are so sorry to hear that you witnessed a non-fatal attempt at suicide. We can't imagine how shocking and distressing this must've been to experience. We think that many people would find this a difficult experience to process, especially when those around you aren't acknowledging the impact of the incident on mental wellbeing. We're really glad you've been able to find our community and we hope to provide you with some comfort and support. 

Can we ask if you are receiving mental health support? Please do feel free to contact the Beyond Blue Support Service anytime on 1300 22 4636 or get in touch with us on Webchat 3pm-12am AEST here: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport. One of the friendly counsellors can offer you some support but also provide you with advice and referrals for seeing a counsellor in a more ongoing way if this is something you feel would be beneficial.

Please do keep us updated here on your thread with what you are feeling and experiencing whenever you feel up to it - we hope that you find this to be a safe and non-judgemental space.

[white knight]

Hi little red

Trauma takes time to recover if indeed you can as many traumas stay with us lifelong.

Firstly your boss hasnt got empathy and you only work for him/her so leave that working relationship as just that, not a personal one. You cant change peoples attitudes.

40 years ago I spent a few years in a major jail as a warder. I learned first aid. After I left that job I was flown to Perth on a mission in a new job and I used first aid there saving a guy struck by a car. Not long after an older lady in Melbourne collapsed. I gave her resusitation and she survived. Each time I got more confident and now feel I'm very capable of taking charge in an emergency situation.

So be proud you assisted and in a way you have become a leader in the world among humans, helping when they are in need.

I'd also visit your GP and discuss it with them. It might be that you need a little time away to recover.

All the best.

TonyWK

[Petal22]

Hi Little Red,

Wellcome to our forums!

Im sorry that what you witnessed is causing you distress.

Be proud of yourself for trying to help this person.

Im sorry that your manager wasn’t very empathetic.

If you are in distress please make an appointment with your gp and discuss how you are feeling….. you can do a mental health plan together this will allow you to see a psychologist.

[tranzcrybe]

The manager was more concerned with the hotel's image than any trauma the woman or yourself suffered during such an ordeal - expect nothing from her by way of consolation; BUT, you may have a claim under workers comp for mental duress in the course of performing your duties which should cover your costs for any therapy required as a consequence.
Your manager may be heartless and self absorbed, but you have rights as an employee, so follow this up through the proper channels...
BTW, you saved a life - feel good about that. Choosing a public place is usually a cry for help and she was fortunate you were there in her time of need.

[Little-Red]

Hi Sophie

My regular GP is out of action for around 6 weeks , i made an appointment with a local one , got my files sent to him , the first thing i said to him was im not coping to well , i need help , he told me to make another appointment !!! Totally uninterested , im now trying to find a doctor who listens , and not rush me out the door.

[Little-Red]

Thankyou.

[geoff]

Hello Little-Red, what you had to experience must have been horrific and deserve all the respect you could possibly receive, and I'm not forgetting the poor lady who tried as the road ahead for her is going to be long, just it could be for yourself, and as you didn't receive any respect from work, you can contact a new doctor and because this happened at work you are entitled for Workcover to pay for you to visit a psychologist and then visit a lawyer.

You seem to gather an extra strength when you're put into a position like this but as soon as you're taken away then your emotions break down, I am truly sorry you had to experience this and if you're able to, can you please keep in touch with us.

All the best.

Geoff.