In Part 1 of our guide, we discussed the steps to take after experiencing sexual harassment at work. In this section, we will focus on the emotional side effects of sexual harassment, such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and more. Learn how to overcome these obstacles with the help of depression treatment so you can continue your career success.
Report The Sexual Harassment To Your Employer
If you have not done so already, report the sexual harassment to your employer. This may result in the other employee’s termination or relocation. If so, that is one less trigger for you to face each day. If you do not report the event, you will constantly be reminded of what happened, or you may be subject to more sexual harassment in the future.
Talk To A Counselor About The Experience
Sexual harassment can affect your ability to think, concentrate and perform at work. The sooner you talk to someone about the experience, the faster you will overcome those feelings. Your workplace may provide sexual harassment recovery services, or you may need to seek them out on your own. At Perspectives Of Troy Counseling Centers in Michigan, we have several depression counselors on staff who specialize in sexual harassment. We will match you with the best counselor for needs so you can get effective treatment.
Take Personal Days As Needed
You may not be able to jump back into work right away. This will depend on how significant the sexual harassment was. Once you talk to your employer about the incident, you can discuss taking a few days off work. This will give you time to process your emotions, talk to a professional, and find some form of closure.
Know What To Expect
Sexual harassment can be a traumatic experience. You may find yourself in a sea of emotions, including:
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
- Self-blame or self-doubt
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Stress
- Sudden shifts in emotions (crying without any noticeable cause)
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty eating
- Social isolation
- Uncharacteristic behaviors
You can work through all of these emotions and feelings during your depression treatment. Your counselor will help you understand why you are feeling this way, and you can learn effective techniques to overcome each emotion. More importantly, you can rebuild your self-esteem so you can approach your work with confidence.
Contact Perspectives Of Troy Counseling Centers today to schedule an appointment with a depression counselor in Michigan.