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: Romance and Money - Surviving Job Loss as a Couple

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.

Romance and Money - Surviving Job Loss as a Couple  

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, “Romance and Money- Surviving Job Loss as a Couple” Doug Truppe and Gabriel Most, LCSW RN  explore the dynamics and challenges unemployment can create in the context of romantic unions and how to address and manage job loss as a couple.

According to a recent study, individuals find it more challenging to discuss money issues and management than mental illness, addiction, sex, race and politics.  It’s no wonder losing a job in the context of a romantic relationship can have huge ramifications for both the unemployed partner and the partner who must now cover all or most of the bills while additional money streams are created.

Here is what we know.

Key Points for Couples Managing Job Loss:

It’s All a Train Reaction- The way couples manage and discuss a  job loss from day one, creates the tone of the experience. How unemployment gets managed as a couple.

Without the Foundation of Communication, Nothing Moves Forward- Resentments, anxieties, and fears can begin to take hold for both individuals in the romantic union because there is no formalized plan or goals.

Communication Strategies- Job loss can have a huge impact on self-esteem, purpose in life and self-identity. What techniques or behaviors are you using as a couple to promote open and honest dialogue?  If it’s not being talked about chances are it’s not being addressed.

Budget Strategies- Without honest communication a budget will be hard to put in place.

As a couple how will you manage expenses, identify essential costs?

Can your partner foot your bills financially while you search for new opportunities?

How do decisions like borrowing money, tapping into savings/investments, and paying other bills get ironed out without a budget strategy?  They don’t.

Emotional Support- Communication without a discussion on budgeting makes providing support to you partner challenging.

When you have “money” discussions, it becomes easier to feel supported and connected.  It helps to minimize resentments and prevent misunderstanding.

Show your partner that you are there to listen by checking in. Stay positive. Stay in the solutions. You are in this together.

Show your partner that you are grateful for the emotional and financial support by renegotiating chores and responsibilities around the house. You might not be able to contribute financially but picking up the extra slack around the home can minimize the work stress for your partner who is temporarily carrying much of financial weight in the family.

What are your thoughts around unemployment in a partnership?  We’d love to hear from you.

The following is a list of questions to facilitate further clarification and discussion:

1.What are your values around money- Do you live within or outside of your means? Do you like to save as much money as you can?

2. Are you aware of your partner’s financial situation? Do you know where you each stand financially?

3. Do you have joint accounts? Is this the best option for you as a couple? Why?

4. Are you aware of your partner’s financial goals and aspirations? Are you in agreement?

5. What specifically is your budget? What bills are essential, and which are expendable or can wait?

6. How are you doing as a couple? Is a couples therapist needed currently, or have you been able to manage the uncertainty of unemployment together as a couple?

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: What Is an Addiction? Do We All Have It?

  What Is an Addiction? Do We All Have It?  Part 1

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. 

-Part 1 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 1 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.

The definition of an addiction is described as:

A behavior or act such as gambling, drinking, shopping or sexing which we are trying to manage or stop entirely and yet, we are UNABLE to…

Despite negative experiences like Hangovers, DUI’s, Foreclosures, Bankruptcies, Divorces and STD’s, we are still unable to walk away from, stop or manage the behaviors that created these serious problems to begin with…

This is often seen as the addictive cycle:

“I want to stop (Online shopping or Pornography websites) yet despite all the negative consequences I simply am unable to.”

In deciding if we have an addiction, it is first necessary to ask ourselves the question of:

Do I Even Have an Addiction?

We all have different perceptions and responses to what feels like an out-of-control addiction and what feels like a manageable behavior, pastime, hobby or indulgence. Examples of this might include:

“Buying one Hermes scarf felt wonderful and I worked hard for it. It was when I charged all four scarves to my account, (one in each color) that I recognized something else was going on here and I needed to stop it.”

“When I couldn’t pry my hands off my lucky slot machine in Vegas, I knew I was now going through family money earmarked for my kids summer camp; It felt like I couldn’t stop,  I had a problem.” 

Here Are Four Questions You Can Ask Yourself to Clarify Where You Stand:

1. Do you frequently feel remorse, guilt, depression and or frustration about your behavior after engaging in it? Have you tried to manage how often you engage in your behavior but find that you cannot?

2. Are you neglecting your family, friends or spouse to find more time to engage in the behaviors you are trying to stop?

3. Have you missed out on or damaged work relationships because of your behaviors?

4. Have you told yourself that you can quit the behavior but find that you simply cannot despite wanting to?

If you answered yes to any of these questions it does not mean you are an addict, but it might be worth reflecting on this behavior and questioning whether it feels like a manageable behavior, pastime, hobby, indulgence or addictive behavior that needs to be removed from your life. 

We’d love to hear your thoughts on how you manage indulgent behaviors and how you  decide if they are addictive in nature or not.

 Gabriel Most LCSW, RN www.GMostTherapy.com

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

Please stay tuned for Part 2 of this series, What Is an Addiction.  Do We All Have It? 

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 

Come Shoot with Us- Hold on to Your Creative Freedom

Come Shoot with Us!

Hold tight to your Freedom of Creative Expression. Free to feel whatever you want when you want. There are all kinds of landscapes to be explored : the face, the mind, the body, the moods we experience. A great image can stop you in your tracks, slow you down and can be the beginning or the end of a story. Take a chance. Let us help you find the right moment to make a moment with our expert photographers and directors. www.dougtruppe.com

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