Modern Salon
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Safety Month: Workplace Violence and Mental Illness

Red flags from author Mohinder Goomar that reveal mental illness possibilities and may precede workplace violence.

June 16, 2014
1 min to read


Artist: GeorgePeters for Getty Images

In this National Safety Month of June, workplace violence is a topic of concern. About 2 million employees are affected by workplace violence every year, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Mohinder Goomar, a retired physician and author of It’s Just My Opinion, says that mental illness frequently is associated with a violent incident at work.

“Because diagnosis and treatment of mental illness hasn’t progressed much in recent decades, we need to encourage lay people to be vigilant toward those expressing tendencies that indicate the potential for violence due to mental illness,” says Goomar, who has suffered with dissociative identity disorder (DID). Goomar advises employees to be vigilant about certain personalities in the workplace:

Ad Loading...

*People who feel marginalized or bullied. Bullying can be occurring at home or online; it doesn’t have to be happening at work.

*People who feel victimized and may justify violence as a way to get even.

*People who indicate a sense of paranoia and may have a history of reacting violently to a situation that other people would not find threatening.

*Anyone who quickly resorts to filing lawsuits.

Goomar believes that much workplace violence goes unreported. If an incident occurs at your salon, reporting it may help get the person needed mental health help.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Career

Ad Loading...
Michelle Bowden works on a hair piece on a mannequin
Career|Articles|Apr 15, 2026

How Michelle Bowden Had a Breakout Year (and How Other Stylists Can, Too)

From working backstage at multiple Paris Fashion Week shows to collaborating on four creative collections and expanding her international stage work, Michelle Bowden has had an incredible year of growth. Here, we break down her approach that drove her momentum, offering a framework for stylists looking to elevate their own careers.

Ad Loading...
Career|Articles|Jan 9, 2026

Beautiful Careers Happen Here

Ulta Beauty is always innovating to meet professionals where they are. Amazing transformations happened at The Salon at Ulta Beauty in 2025, and Ulta Beauty artistry and education will be everywhere you want to go in the year ahead. Come see all The Salon at Ulta Beauty has planned for you in 2026!

Sponsored by Ulta Beauty

Ad Loading...