Local psychologist says workplace violence on the rise
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JACKSON, Tenn. — Workplace violence unfolds on live television before thousands of expecting viewers Wednesday, leaving two journalists dead.
Reporter Alison Parker and photojournalist Adam Ward were fatally shot during a live early morning report, and police say both were targeted by a former co-worker said to be angry after being fired. Where and how this workplace violence was carried out makes it a high-profile case, and a local psychologist said she fears these kinds of cases will get more frequent and worse before they get better. Wednesday’s events show these incidents can happen anywhere at any time and at any job. Mental health professionals warn without help we’ll see these acts of violence continue to repeat. Just last week, a man fired from his job is accused of calling in a bomb threat at a north Jackson business. “He accomplished what he set out to do,” Dr. Joanne Stephenson said. “Unfortunately, we’re seeing way too much of this and we’re going to see more and more.” Stephenson teaches psychology at Union University. She says not everyone can cope with the stresses and demands of most jobs. “All of that takes any mental health problems we’ve had to begin with and that’s when you see the perfect storm,” Stephenson said. Stephenson said stress and anxiety are the No. 1 cause for an employee to get upset or disgruntled, and she said the problem is getting worse because help just isn’t available. “They’re supervisors and managers, whoever is over them in any business needs to see this happening and building,” Stephenson said. “Then they need to do something about it.” Whether it’s talking things out with friends or with a professional, Stephenson said seeking help is the key. “You’re letting a little of that tension out by doing that,” Stephenson said. “It’s like these tiny earthquakes take the pressure off so you don’t have the big one.” But if potentially dangerous mental health issues go ignored or untreated, Stephenson said more tragic incidents will continue to rock the workplace. “It gets worse until we take control, and then things get better,” Stephenson said. Stephenson said there are many resources available to people who feel stressed or unhappy in the workplace. But she first suggests talking with your human resources department or consulting a psychologist.
