Workplace Exposure to Trauma
Compassion fatigue, vicarious traumatisation, and secondhand trauma, are all terms used to explain how exposure to other’s trauma can affect your own psychological and physical wellbeing over time.
It is common amongst social workers, first responders, medical professionals, counsellors, support workers. In fact, anybody can feel the affects of trauma if they are repeatedly exposed to hearing other’s trauma stories, seeing high levels of distress in the aftermath of a traumatic event, needing to re-tell other’s traumatic stories, and/or seeing photos or images relating to the trauma.
Warning signs can include:
- Hypervigilance – being excessively alert for potential threats or dangers at and outside of work also described as sustained fight or flight mode.
- Poor boundaries – lacking a balanced sense of your role, taking on too much, or taking the work too personally, having difficulty learning work at work.
- Avoidance – trying to cope by shutting down and disconnecting.
- Inability to empathise – unable to remain emotionally connected to work, feeling numb.
- Addictions – constantly finding distractions to “check out” from work, your personal life, or both.
- Feeling professionally inadequate – becoming increasingly unsure of yourself, second-guessing yourself, feeling insecure about tasks that you have previously felt comfortable doing.
- It’s important if you are working in an environment that has regular exposure to trauma that you and your organisation take steps to identify the warning signs and put in place support strategies where required.
Prioritise and protecting your wellbeing by:
- Educating yourself – learning about the impacts of trauma and cumulative stress can give you a better of understanding of how to manage your exposure and keep yourself safe.
- Focusing on what you can control – try to take scheduled workday breaks and leave work on time, try to eat regular, healthy meals, and get some exercise, and try to get enough sleep.
- Finding ways to relieve stress – techniques such as yoga, muscle relaxation and meditation can reduce adverse physical stress symptoms.
- Finding time to escape physically or mentally – make use of your leave arrangements to take a day off or have a holiday, catch up with friends, read a book, or just have fun doing things that make you feel happy.
- Expressing your feelings – journaling helps some people make meaning out of negative experiences, while others do better debriefing with a colleague or supervisor or joining a support group.
- Seeking professional help – working with a counsellor who specialises in trauma can help you to process your experiences and may provide different perspectives and ideas.
Resources relating to work related stress and trauma
1800RESPECT
Beyond Blue
Kidshelpline
Safe+Equal
Social Work Licence Made Simple