AS Jamaica braces to fight the scourge of crime and violence, many people are hurting in the process. Among them are workers who serve in the essential services, such as doctors, nurses, police, soldiers, and media workers.

Such workers are likely to experience physiological and/or psychological pain as they carry out their responsibilities and later.

Those of us who would have had our eyes glued to the television this past week would perhaps have seen the reporters who had to “get flat” to avoid being shot or run for cover at the sound of gun shots. We were and continue to be astonished by their determination to present their reports despite the imminent danger.

One touching moment was when one female reporter interviewed a child who was terrified after witnessing the murder of a family member. This reporter was obviously moved and could not contain her emotions. No doubt she, like many of her colleagues, will experience mental flashbacks of the sordid events they cover on a daily basis.

Medical personnel have braved the violence to get to Kingston Public Hospital, for example, to deliver service. And once their duties were over, there were those who had to walk, in the absence of transportation, from the hospital to their homes or the closest bus/taxi station in operation.

As for the police and soldiers, they have been in the thick of things even as their own colleagues have fallen casualties. Police stations have been set ablaze and others have come under attack from gunmen.

In the wake of these happenings, media managers — like all other managers — must be cognisant of the fact that the men and women who deliver service in times like these are susceptible to not only physical harm but also psychological strain. Therefore, every effort must be made to ensure their physical safety by providing bulletproof vests and helmets, as in the case of media practitioners and, of course, members of the armed forces.

At the same time, attention must be paid to their psychological wellness. As much as some of them may exhibit youthful exuberance and may want to work right round the clock, do ensure that they be withdrawn from the action periodically. Intense and continued exposure to traumatic events can result in a mental illness known as post-traumatic stress disorder.

What are some of the symptoms of this illness? They include:

* Flashbacks or reliving the traumatic event for minutes or even days at a time.

* Upsetting dreams about the traumatic event.

* Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event.

* Feeling emotionally numb.

* Avoiding activities that were once enjoyed.

* Hopelessness about the future.

* Memory problems.

* Trouble concentrating.

* Difficulty maintaining close relationships.

* Changes in eating patterns.

* Irritability or anger.

* Overwhelming guilt or shame.

* Self-destructive behaviour, such as drinking too much.

* Trouble sleeping.

* Being easily startled.

* Hearing or seeing things that aren’t there

If as an employer you notice the employee display most of the above symptoms and he/she is unproductive at work, seek the services of a psychologist or psychiatrist and refer him/her immediately.

Wayne Powell is a human resources professional. He may be contacted at crisscounsellor@yahoo.com.