Stress, Self-Awareness, and Workplace Safety: A Conversation That Matters

In the latest Workplace Violence Prevention Team podcast, trainer Kimberly McLennan sits down with Susana Becerra, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Behavioral Health Counselor with UC Davis' Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP), to discuss an important but often overlooked topic: the connection between stress and workplace violence.

The conversation explores how stress affects our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors long before a situation escalates. As Susana explains, people rarely come to work intending to become aggressive or confrontational. Instead, employees, patients, and visitors often bring personal stressors, fears, frustrations, and life challenges with them. When those stressors go unrecognized or unmanaged, they can contribute to misunderstandings, conflict, and, in some cases, workplace violence incidents.

Throughout the episode, Kimberly and Susana emphasize the importance of self-awareness and early intervention. They discuss common signs of stress, including changes in breathing, feeling unusually irritable, physical tension, or emotional overwhelm. Recognizing these signs early gives individuals the opportunity to pause, regroup, and use healthy coping strategies before emotions take control.

The podcast also provides practical tools listeners can use every day. Susana shares techniques such as deep breathing, grounding exercises, positive self-talk, and cognitive behavioral strategies that can help reframe negative thinking patterns. She also highlights the benefits of gratitude journaling, explaining how intentionally focusing on positive experiences can gradually retrain the brain to look beyond stress and potential threats.

One of the most powerful takeaways from the discussion is that while we cannot always control what others bring into the workplace, we can control how we respond. By managing our own stress and prioritizing self-care, we not only support our personal well-being but also contribute to a safer and more respectful workplace for everyone.

As Kimberly reminds listeners, taking care of yourself is not selfish; it's an important part of keeping others safe. When we recognize stress early and use the tools available to us, we are better equipped to de-escalate challenging situations and foster a healthier work environment.

This collaborative podcast between the Workplace Violence Prevention Team and ASAP serves as a valuable reminder that prevention starts with awareness, compassion, and a commitment to caring for ourselves and one another.

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