Blowing the whistle on your employer or the government can be frightening. You might be putting your career and your own personal well-being on the line, leaving you uncertain and scared for the future. However, you shouldn’t let your fears prevent you from standing up to have your voice heard and to do what’s right for you, your co-workers, your community, and society at large. But how do you cope with the stress of it all?
Dealing with the stress of whistleblowing
Although getting through your whistleblower case isn’t going to be easy, there are steps you can take to alleviate the stress. This includes:
- Developing a plan for how to get through your case, that way you take the guesswork out of what will happen and how you’ll respond when the other side acts maliciously against you.
- Documenting key facts and activities in a journal so that you can later refresh your recollection, thereby reducing the stress of trying to remember everything that has occurred in your case.
- Practicing self-care by getting plenty of rest, eating a healthy diet, and exercising.
- Reminding yourself of why you’re speaking out, as this motivation can help you overcome the stress that you’re experiencing.
- Seeking out mental health support from a professional who can provide you with coping skills.
Have a solid legal plan going into your whistleblower case
This is probably uncharted territory for you, but that’s okay. You’ll get through this, and developing a strong legal and self-care plan can be effective in protecting your interests throughout the whistleblowing process. So, if you’re still interested in finding accountability for the wrongdoing that you’ve observed, then now is the time to consider your next steps.