Doug Truppe Forum: Bullying in the Workplace, A Masterclass in Survival - Part 2

Please join us as we address various issues and mental health challenges on a weekly basis creating a forum for communication and solutions with experts in advertising and mental health. In this week’s Part 2 of the Bullying series, “Bullying in the Workplace, A Masterclass in Survival,” Doug Truppe and Gabriel Most, LCSW RN  explore the impact Bullying can have on our mental health and what to do about it. Please join us as we explore how Bullying in the workplace is created, and how we can push back against it.

  Bullying in the Workplace, A Masterclass in Survival - Part 2

1. Strategies for Survival

To deal with the mental stress from workplace bullying, employees can try a few simple strategies to stay strong and feel safe and secure. Here are some ideas:

 -Document Incidents.

Keep a detailed record of bullying incidents, including dates, times, locations, and descriptions. This documentation can be useful if you decide to report the behavior to HR or management.

 -Seek Support and Build a Support Network.

Share your experiences with some trusted coworkers ( if possible ),  and friends, or family about what's going on. If needed, consider talking to therapist.

-Maintain Your Own Healthy Work Environment

Engage with positive colleagues and participate in team activities that foster a healthy work atmosphere.

 -Set Boundaries and Stand Up for Yourself.  Stand up for yourself calmly and confidently if you can but try to limit contact where possible and avoid making things worse.

 2. Focus on Self-Care

Bullying can have long lasting repercussions on our mental and physical health. Stay mindful of the following to stay healthy:

 -Develop Stress Management Techniques.

Use mindfulness, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation to   reduce anxiety and promote emotional regulation. Maintaining adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity supports your well-being.

 -Esteem and Confidence

Focus on your strengths and accomplishments to reinforce self-worth. Set small, achievable goals to regain a sense of control and confidence. 

Share your story: What has been your experience with workplace bullying? How was it addressed in your work environment, and what actions did you take? What did you learn from this experience?

Gabriel Most, LCSW RN,  www.GMostTherapy.com

Contact me to share your stories: hello@dougtruppe.com

Doug Truppe Forum: Bullying in the Workplace, A Masterclass in Survival - Part 1

Please join us as we address various issues and mental health challenges on a weekly basis creating a forum for communication and solutions with experts in advertising and mental health. In this week’s part 1 of 2 series , “Bullying in the Workplace, A Masterclass in Survival,”  Doug Truppe and Gabriel Most, LCSW RN  explore the dynamics and challenges Bullying can create in the context of employment and career goals. Please join us as we explore what Bullying in the workplace is and how to spot it. Stay tuned for part 2 next week when we review the psychological ramifications of bullying and how to transcend it.

Bullying in the Workplace

1. What Is Workplace Bullying?

 Workplace bullying refers to repeated and unreasonable actions or behaviors by an individual or group directed toward an employee or employees. These actions are intended to intimidate, degrade, humiliate, or undermine, creating a risk to the health and safety of the targeted person.

2.  Power Dynamics

 Bullying often involves an imbalance of power, such as a manager or supervisor targeting a subordinate. However, it can also occur between colleagues at the same level, or even from subordinates toward managers (known as upward bullying).

Power can be based on job title, seniority, social influence, or control of resources or information.

 Examples of Workplace Bullying

 1. Watch for These Signs  

Insulting or making derogatory comments

Excluding someone from meetings or activities.

Sabotaging someone’s work

Spreading false information or rumors

 Excessive monitoring/micromanaging

 Placing unreasonable demands Withholding important information or credit persistent, unfair criticism.

 2. Consequences for the Bullied Victim

Increased stress and anxiety

Decreased self-esteem and confidence

Decline in job performance and satisfaction physical and mental health issues (e.g., depression, absenteeism)

 3. Ramifications for the Bully 

Potential disciplinary action or job loss

Damage to reputation and professional relationship

Legal consequences in severe cases

 4. Impact on Work Culture

Decreased team morale and trust

 Higher employee turnover 

Reduced productivity

Creation of a toxic or hostile work environment

 Share your story: What has been your experience with workplace bullying? How was it addressed in your work environment, and what actions did you take? What did you learn from this experience? Join us next week for Part 2 of our series, 'Bullying in the Workplace: A Masterclass in Survival,' as we explore this issue further.

 Gabriel Most, LCSW RN,  www.GMostTherapy.com

 Contact me to share your stories: hello@dougtruppe.com

Doug Truppe Forum: Work Burnout: The Hidden Epidemic in Today’s Workforce

Please join us as we address various issues and mental health challenges on a weekly basis creating a forum for communication and solutions with experts in advertising and mental health. In this week’s topic, “Work Burnout: The Hidden Epidemic in Today’s Workforce,” Doug Truppe and Gabriel Most, LCSW RN  explore the dynamics and challenges Burnout can create in the context of employment and career achievement.  

Work burnout is a state of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion that happens when prolonged stress at your job leaves you feeling drained, cynical, and unproductive. It’s more than just a bad week; it’s a chronic sense of being overwhelmed, disconnected from your work, and unable to meet constant demands.

In American society today, burnout is a widespread phenomenon.

Signs and Symptoms of Employee Burnout

1. Physical Symptoms

Chronic fatigue, exhaustion and other somatic disturbances like headaches, muscle pains and sleep disturbances.

2. Emotional Symptoms

Feeling detached, cynical about work.  Mood swings and increased irritability.  Feelings of self-doubt, failure and  preoccupation with “Imposter Syndrome.”

3. Behavioral Symptoms

Decreased productivity and motivation.  Withdrawing from responsibilities or colleagues. Procrastination or taking longer to get tasks done.

Causes of Work Burnout

 1. Work-Related Factors

Excessive workload and long hours.  Lack of control over work tasks and unclear job expectations.

 2. Organizational Causes

Poor management or lack of support. Dysfunctional workplace dynamics  and lack of recognition and financial compensation for actual  hours logged.

How to Manage Work Burnout

1. Self-Care Strategies

Prioritize regular breaks and rest. Maintain healthy sleep, nutrition, and exercise habits. Practice relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation, deep breathing)

2. Workplace Strategies

 Set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Delegate tasks when possible. Communicate openly with supervisors about workload when tasks become unmanageable.

3. Seek Support

Reach out to colleagues, friends, or mental health professionals. Consider counseling or employee assistance programs. 

Employee Burnout might feel like the “New Normal,” but research shows that many agencies are having challenges retaining a loyal productive workforce. What have been your experiences around work burnout and how did you address it? We’d love to hear from you.

Gabriel Most, LCSW RN , www.GMosttherapy.com

Contact me to share your stories: hello@dougtruppe.com 

Doug Truppe Forum - What Is an Addiction? Do We All Have It? - Part 2 of 2

Welcome, my name is Doug Truppe, and I am an artist representative for commercial photographers and directors in the global market. Our mission is to empower, elevate and foster a sense of community for those employed in the advertising industry. Focusing on mental health, our hope is to provide a forum and backdrop to discuss and share the challenges our industry is facing in a fast paced ever changing global economy.  Concentrating on one’s well-being with the expertise of a mental health practitioner, Gabriel Most LCSW, RN, come join us as we explore and discuss managing mental health in the advertising industry. Ultimately, we are here to provide helpful resources and offer a friendly voice in challenging times. 

 What Is an Addiction? Do We All Have It?

-Part. 2 of 2- 

Please join us as we address various issues and mental health challenges on a weekly basis creating a forum for communication and solutions with experts in advertising and mental health. In this week’s special 2 Part Series, join Doug Truppe and Gabriel Most, LCSW, RN for Part 2 of What is an Addiction? Do we all have it? Together we’ll explore what is an addiction and what one can do to manage it.

Whether We ’re All Addicted to Something Because It’s Part of the Current Human Condition or Not; the Following Is True:

Confessing to an addiction requires self-disclosure only. What others think won’t get you to change your behaviors. Change is purely optional.

Once we recognize that we have a problem we can begin to focus on the solution(s).

Here Is Just a Short List of Things One Can Do to Manage an Addictive Behavior or Relationship:

Get Help – You cannot figure this out on your own, that’s why this is an addiction. You just can’t stop.

Do some research on your addictive behavior. Use Google and AI to access information on your specific addiction. Research helpful tools like books and types of treatment and speak to experts or person of faith and find out how others are getting help. Hotlines?

What has proven effective? What has not? What type of therapy? Out-Patient, Inpatient treatment, Drug Rehab? Psychologist, LCSW, MD or go unconventional like Music or Art Therapist? Individual, Couples or Groups?

Come up with some type of plan that predetermines how you want to behave or manage triggers, cravings or bouts when they rear their ugly head and taunt you to reengage in the addictive cycle. This prepares you for the unexpected because shit happens.

Socialize & Share- Use your discretion. What, how and who you share with is vital to your success. Socializing in all its variations combats loneliness and isolation which are key components and triggers for addictive behaviors and cycles.

Create a daily Self-Care routine. We are all busy, juggling the many directions our lives take us to; however, creating a daily ritual or tradition which we customize to our own liking and time constraints ensures we are staying connected to ourselves and our feelings.

The most important relationship we will ever have is the one we have with ourself. Be kind to yourself today. Give yourself a break today. Remind yourself that you do know what is best for your life. It is your purpose to listen.

Gabriel Most LCSW, RN www.GMostTherapy.com

Contact me to share your stories: hello@dougtruppe.com 

Doug Truppe Forum- Ghosting

Mission Statement  

Welcome, my name is Doug Truppe, and I am an artist representative for commercial photographers and directors in the global market. Our mission is to empower, elevate and foster a sense of community for those employed in the advertising industry. Focusing on mental health, our hope is to provide a forum and backdrop to discuss and share the challenges our industry is facing in a fast paced ever changing global economy.  Concentrating on one’s well-being with the expertise of a mental health practitioner, Gabriel Most LCSW, RN, come join us as we explore and discuss managing mental health in the advertising industry. Ultimately, we are here to provide helpful resources and offer a friendly voice in challenging times. 

Ghosting 

Ghosting….A Complexity of Modern Relationships or Just Bad Behavior? 

Please join us as we address various issues and mental health challenges on a weekly basis creating a forum for communication and solutions with experts in advertising and mental health. In this week’s topic, “Ghosting….A Complexity of Modern Relationships or just Bad Behavior?” Doug Truppe and Gabriel Most, LCSW, RN explore the newer phenomena of “Being Ghosted. What to do and how best to manage it 

What Is Ghosting and How to Proceed Forward?

To Ghost:

When employees, employers and or colleagues SUDDENLY stop all communications without ANY notice.  

For many of us being Ghosted feels very personal and often fosters anxiety, uncertainty and second guessing all our actions. “Did I lose this account? What did I do or say to get Ghosted?”

Why Does It Hurt So Much?

Lack of closure  being cut off without even a word can create confusion and uncertainty. “What happened? Did I do anything wrong. Did I ask for too much?”  

Self Esteem gets called into question. If part of my self-worth and identity is surrounded around my career and you suddenly disappear without even a word,  of course I will feel rejected and inadequate.   

“I thought we were Peers/Colleagues working together creating a common bond. Making money!  Now you won’t answer my calls, texts or emails?” WTF!? 

Things to Consider….

Understanding that we cannot control if someone will or won’t communicate to us is a vital first step . However, if we can understand what we are FEELING when we are GHOSTED and WHY, we are then more apt to handle being ignored in a more professional mindset and a less personal one.  

Calling out a peer for ghosting and expressing anger disappointment or judgment over it, rarely gets you the response you are looking for, engagement. So why say something? What are your thoughts here?  

Our  own psychological awareness regarding Ghosting gives us more focus to choose more productive ways to find more work, money and opportunity.

What’s been your experience with Ghosting? How have you managed it? Please share, we’d love to hear from you. Together we can create a community of empowerment. 

Knowledge at Wharton: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow: Why Workplace Ghosting Is on the Rise   

Gabriel Most LCSW, RN www.GMostTherapy.com

Contact me to share your stories: hello@dougtruppe.com 

Doug Truppe Forum - Ageism: Fact or Fiction

Mission Statement 

Welcome, my name is Doug Truppe, and I am an artist representative for commercial photographers and directors in the global market. Our mission is to empower, elevate and foster a sense of community for those employed in the advertising industry. Focusing on mental health, our hope is to provide a forum and backdrop to discuss and share the challenges our industry is facing in a fast paced ever changing global economy.  Concentrating on one’s well-being with the expertise of a mental health practitioner, Gabriel Most LCSW, RN, come join us as we explore and discuss managing mental health in the advertising industry. Ultimately, we are here to provide helpful resources and offer a friendly voice in challenging times. 

Ageism: Fact or Fiction

Please join us as we address various issues and mental health challenges on a weekly basis creating a forum for communication and solutions with experts in advertising and mental health. In this week’s topic, “Ageism: Fact or Fiction” Doug Truppe and Gabriel Most, LCSW, RN  explore ageism in the work force, what to do about it, and how to manage it.  

Ageism is a form of discrimination that targets individuals based on their age. A perception of being “too old.” These thought systems of being too old are born out of cultural and societal beliefs which prioritize youthfulness and associate getting older with a decline or incompetence and an idea that older individuals are less capable of learning new skills and resistant to change. Such broad stereotypes can lead to unfair treatment including exclusion from job opportunities.  

Ageism can create the following psychological ramifications. 

1-Low Self-Esteem- Ageism can have an impact on our sense of self-worth and identity. “No one is hiring me; I can’t find work! Who am I if I can’t find a job?” Studies have also shown that when older adults internalize this messaging of ageist attitudes it can lead to a decline in cognitive functioning.

2-Depression and Anxiety- Experiencing ageism can lead to feelings of hopelessness, sadness and anxiety. 

3-Fear of Aging- Ageism can perpetuate the fear of aging, leading individuals to excessively reconstruct their face and bodies to keep up with youth driven culture. Moderation is key. Cosmetic treatments can give us confidence but overdoing it can highlight insecurities and obsession with youth at any cost. Confidence is key. 

It is not all doom and gloom. Here is what one can do to manage ageism in the workplace. 

1-Don’t buy into the narrative if you experience ageism.

-Stay resilient and remain empowered. Lead by example. Age can be an asset. It’s experience.  it’s a perspective, based on years of successful campaigns. Highlight this and don’t make your age an issue even if it appears to be one for others.

-Stay confident. Your age is an asset, even if you didn’t get hired. Stay current on all the new trends and skill sets. Don’t be afraid to learn new things and wrap yourself around the latest trends in technology and the industry.  

2-Promote Inclusivity-Talk about, focus on contributions from colleagues of all ages and highlight the importance of appreciation for diverse age perspectives.  

3-Mentorships-Sharing your expertise and perspective can help bridge generational gaps and foster great collaborations and sharing of ideas.

Champion advertising campaigns that feature people of different ages, showcasing the value of age diversity in target markets. Highlight diverse campaigns. 

Share your story. How have you managed ageism in the workplace? We’d love to hear from you. What has worked for you? What hasn’t? Together we can create a community of empowerment.

This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism by Ashton Applewhite

Gabriel Most LCSW, RN www.GMostTherapy.com

Contact me to share your stories: hello@dougtruppe.com 

Welcome to the Truppe: Jason Knott Photographer and Director

We are thrilled to welcome photographer and director Jason Knott to the Doug Truppe talent roster.

Deep connection and humanity are at the heart of Jason’s work. A natural storyteller, Jason is expert in creating atmospheric compositions, conveying spontaneous emotional moments in a curated environment. He draws us in, making the ordinary extraordinary, he loves to celebrate people, in all shapes and forms.

Through his beautifully crafted photography, mixture of ambient and enhanced lighting, avid attention to detail and drawing on multifaceted skills, Jason expertly creates atmosphere in his imagery, bringing people and their environment to life.

Skillfully directing motion with his DOP while simultaneously shooting stills himself, he engineers an environment where all players and assets are perfectly captured at key moments, to coalesce in the final, ever-magical result.

Through his calm, patient and easy-going manner, Jason quickly builds rapport and trust with everyone on set. He puts his subjects at ease in front of the camera, and makes every shoot a pleasure not just for the subject, the client but for all concerned.

A passionate, driven perfectionist, Jason brings his expertise, talent, professionalism and exceptional hard work to each shoot. For those who haven’t worked with him, rest assured, he is the safest pair of hands in the industry. He meticulously plans, organizes and executes each shoot, working tirelessly to any brief and consistently exceeding expectations, to happy clients. Some of those clients include:  P&O Cruises, Land Rover, Kellogg’s, Sony, Subaru, Coca Cola & Dubai Tourism. 

We are proud to welcome Jason Knott to the Truppe. Jason’s work can also be seen on PhotoPolitic. Follow us @DougTruppe for daily updates, stories and news.