Robbery, especially armed robbery, can be one of the most frightening experiences an employee may ever encounter. Employees who were confronted and other employees, even if not directly threatened during the robbery, can expect to have some reactions to the event.
How you react to this robbery is affected by personal factors such as how you typically handle stressful situations and what type of support you have at work and home.
Your reactions may be immediate or may be more delayed. You may experience physical or emotional responses or involve your thinking and thought process.
For most employees, these reactions decrease within a few days; for others, the responses may last longer or even be experienced or re-experienced later. Robbery can be a traumatic workplace event that affects everyone involved.
Realizing these are typical feelings, behaviors and reactions to a robbery is vital.
Employees who have been through a robbery report having had a variety of experiences:
Fear: Employees are afraid to leave the building, be in public or be re-victimized. They are worried the robber will find them or return to the robbery scene.
Hyper–alertness: Victims may startle easily; they jump at loud noises or when others approach them. They feel wary or “on guard” when new people or customers approach them.
Guilt: They feel they should have done something differently, wonder if they could have prevented the robbery or didn’t do something they should have. They experience guilt about their behavior during or after the robbery.
Anger: They become enraged that their life has been disrupted and that they no longer feel safe or in control. Anger is directed at management, co-workers, the robber, themselves and family members. Some of this anger seems justified, and some may appear irrational.
Isolation: They feel they are the only one reacting to the robbery. They feel isolated from family and friends and feel no one can understand what they have been through.
Common emotional reactions
Irritability may be directed at co-workers, customers, family and friends
Lack of motivation
Feeling blue or depressed with a lack of concentration
Indifference or numbness of the emotions, a lack of feelings
Dwelling on the robbery
Anxiousness
Guilt
Feeling vulnerable
Isolation
Difficulty concentrating
Confusion
Sadness
Common physical reactions
Headaches
Stomach aches
Body aches
Change in appetite
Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
Chronic fatigue
Aggravation of existing medical conditions
While these are common feelings, behaviors and reactions to an abnormal event, if symptoms persist, seek professional consultation.
Coping with the aftermath of a robbery
Awareness and understanding are crucial to coping with this event in your life. You can enhance the recovery process by being aware that trauma reactions are common, knowing that you can manage and that there is support that can help you function normally after the incident. Some sources of support are:
Co-workers: Work is an integral part of your life. The people you work with may have gone through the trauma with you and know how you feel. Talk to each other about your feelings and concerns. You may find that this trauma has brought you closer together. While you may be experiencing some anxiety about being at work, you may find the familiarity and routine of the workplace comforting.
Family: Once you’ve explained what happened, family members can provide support and care. They may understand how you deal with stress and your history better than anyone. Even children can be very wise; consider their ability to be supportive. Family members can help you feel safer at home and assume responsibility for household or family tasks. Family members can help by being attentive to your emotional and safety needs.
Community: You may find support in friends, clergy or other significant people. Now is the time to pay attention to spiritual and cultural needs.
Consider the following to cope with the physical and emotional effects you may be experiencing:
Join a support group for victims of crime
If possible, postpone major life changes or decisions
Eat well-balanced, regular meals and avoid excess caffeine, sugar, fat, alcohol and nicotine to help control your physical symptoms
Drink plenty of water
Exercise regularly
Get plenty of rest to help prevent feeling overly tired/stressed
Allow time to heal at your own pace
Maintain as typical a schedule as possible
Take breaks whenever you feel it’s necessary
Record your thoughts, feelings and reactions in a journal
Engage in activities such as listening to music, reading a book or participating in creative or physical activities
Set boundaries when you do not feel like talking
Remember: It is essential to allow yourself to heal at your own pace.
Formulating a plan to return to work
You may be apprehensive about returning to work. Discussing ways to minimize this apprehension with your employer may improve your first day back to work. Some temporary changes you may want to consider:
Having a friend drive you to work
Working an alternate position, location or shift
Customers may ask about the robbery, or the media may be interested in speaking with you. Remember that you do not have to answer questions about your experience with customers, the media or the general public. In some cases, you may be advised by law enforcement not to discuss the robbery because it is an active investigation.
Consult with your employer about how to respond to inquiries. In some instances, an official statement may be supplied for you to repeat in response.
Information for family and friends of a crime victim
The reactions and subsequent needs of people who experience crime are varied. Some people may need private time, while others may want to be surrounded by people.
Be respectful of your loved one’s wishes
Allowing your loved one to talk about their experience as needed is vital
Try not to minimize the robbery or their reactions to the event
Offer assistance and provide emotional and physical support as needed
Remember that recovery from trauma is a process. Individuals who were not physically harmed during a robbery may still be traumatized by the event. Each person heals in their own way and time. Awareness and understanding are crucial to coping effectively with the robbery.
