Vicarious trauma / Secondary trauma – tips, advice and signposting.

What is vicarious trauma?

Vicarious trauma, also known as secondary trauma, is an exposure to someone else’s trauma.

It can present as sadness, anger, frustration, as well as other emotions, which are normal responses when we are involved in the trauma of others, personally or professionally. Sometimes feelings can continue beyond a few days and might, along with other signs, be symptoms of vicarious trauma. Professional symptoms could include;

·        Interfere with work

·        Disrupt relationships

·      Cause distress

·      Experiencing lingering feelings of anger, rage and sadness about P's trauma.

·      Becoming overly involved emotionally with P.

·      Experiencing bystander guilt, shame, feelings of self-doubt.

·      Being preoccupied with thoughts of patients outside of the work situation.

·      Over identification with P (having horror and rescue fantasies).

·      Loss of hope, pessimism, cynicism.

·      Distancing, numbing, detachment, cutting patients off, staying busy. Avoiding listening to client's story of traumatic experiences.

·      Difficulty in maintaining professional boundaries with the client, such as overextending self (trying to do more than is in the role to help P).

These symptoms vary from person to person, and can be physical, psychological and behavioural. Learning to recognise your body’s normal response to an abnormal experience is helpful. It can have a significant mental health impact and, if not mitigated against or treated effectively, can be a pathway to post-traumatic stress disorder.

Self-Care Strategies

1. Regular Self-Assessment: Periodically check in with yourself to assess your mental and emotional well-being. Recognize early signs of stress or trauma.
2. Healthy Boundaries: Set and maintain clear professional boundaries to prevent over-involvement in clients' trauma.
3. Time Management: Ensure you allocate time for breaks and personal activities. Avoid excessive overtime and ensure you have time to disconnect from work.
4. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Engage in mindfulness practices, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises to manage stress and stay grounded.
5. Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Even short walks can make a significant difference.
6. Balanced Diet and Sleep: Maintain a healthy diet and ensure you get adequate rest. Both are crucial for mental and physical health.

Professional Support

1. Supervision and Consultation: Regularly seek supervision or consultation with experienced colleagues to discuss challenging cases and emotional responses.
2. Training and Education: Engage in continuous professional development to learn about vicarious trauma, its signs, and coping strategies.
3. Peer Support: Foster a supportive network of colleagues who understand the challenges of your work. Peer support groups can provide a safe space to share experiences and coping strategies.
4. Professional Therapy: Consider seeking therapy or counseling for yourself. A professional can help you process your experiences and develop coping mechanisms.

Workplace Strategies

1. Workplace Policies: Advocate for workplace policies that support mental health, such as access to mental health resources, flexible scheduling, and reasonable caseloads.
2. Debriefing Sessions: Participate in or organize regular debriefing sessions to process difficult cases and emotional responses with colleagues.
3. Positive Work Environment: Encourage a positive and supportive work environment where open communication and mutual support are prioritized.
4. Professional Boundaries: Ensure that there are clear protocols and support systems in place to manage the impact of traumatic material.

Personal Life Balance

1. Hobbies and Interests: Engage in hobbies and activities outside of work that bring you joy and relaxation.
2. Social Connections: Maintain strong connections with friends and family. Social support is crucial for emotional resilience.
3. Vacations and Downtime: Take regular vacations and downtime to rest and recharge. It’s important to completely disconnect from work periodically.
4. Volunteering and Community Engagement: Engage in community activities or volunteering that are uplifting and give you a sense of purpose outside of your professional role.

Cognitive Strategies

1. Reflective Practice: Engage in reflective practices such as journaling to process your experiences and emotions.
2. Positive Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to counteract negative thoughts and build resilience.
3. Focus on Positives: Remind yourself of the positive impact of your work and the progress made by those you help.

Organizational Changes

1. Trauma-Informed Workplace: Work towards creating a trauma-informed workplace that recognizes and responds to the effects of vicarious trauma.
2. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Utilize EAPs that offer confidential counseling and support services for employees.
3. Education and Awareness: Promote education and awareness about vicarious trauma within the organization to foster a supportive culture.

Implementing these strategies can help professionals manage vicarious trauma, maintain their well-being, and continue to provide effective support to those they serve.

Reach out!

Colleagues have been in similar situations, they might have strategies and tips that can help you, or they can be a very valuable listening ear! Talking to colleagues about mental health at work is important for several reasons, as it can lead to a more supportive, understanding, and productive work environment. Here are some key reasons to discuss mental health openly in the workplace:

1. Reducing Stigma

• Normalization: Open conversations about mental health can help normalize these issues, making them less taboo and encouraging others to seek help without fear of judgment.
• Awareness: Increased awareness can reduce misconceptions and stereotypes about mental health conditions.

2. Providing Support

• Peer Support: Colleagues can offer emotional support, practical advice, and encouragement, creating a supportive network within the workplace.
• Early Intervention: Awareness among colleagues can lead to early identification of mental health issues and prompt intervention, potentially preventing more severe problems.

3. Enhancing Well-being

• Healthy Environment: A workplace that supports mental health contributes to overall employee well-being and job satisfaction.
• Stress Reduction: Sharing experiences and coping strategies can help reduce stress and anxiety levels among employees.

4. Improving Team Dynamics

• Trust and Cohesion: Open discussions about mental health can foster trust and improve team cohesion, as employees feel understood and valued.
• Collaboration: A supportive atmosphere encourages collaboration and mutual respect, enhancing team performance.

5. Increasing Productivity

• Focus and Efficiency: Employees who feel mentally supported are likely to be more focused, efficient, and productive.
• Reduced Absenteeism: Addressing mental health issues can lead to lower absenteeism and presenteeism, where employees are present but not fully functioning.

6. Encouraging a Positive Workplace Culture

• Inclusivity: A workplace that acknowledges mental health fosters inclusivity and ensures that all employees feel valued and respected.
• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue about mental health promotes a culture of transparency and open communication.

7. Legal and Ethical Responsibility

• Compliance: Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy work environment, which includes mental health.
• Ethical Practices: Promoting mental health is part of ethical business practices, demonstrating that the organization cares about its employees' overall well-being.

8. Personal Growth and Learning

• Understanding: Discussing mental health issues helps employees understand diverse perspectives and experiences, promoting empathy and personal growth.
• Skills Development: Employees can develop better communication and problem-solving skills when they learn to support colleagues facing mental health challenges.

9. Role Modeling

• Leadership Example: When leaders and managers talk openly about mental health, they set a positive example and encourage others to do the same.
• Empowerment: Employees feel empowered to share their experiences and seek help when they see others, especially those in leadership positions, doing so.

10. Resource Sharing

• Information Access: Colleagues can share information about available mental health resources, such as counseling services, support groups, and wellness programs.
• Best Practices: Employees can exchange tips and best practices for managing stress, maintaining work-life balance, and enhancing mental health.

Creating a workplace culture that supports mental health involves fostering an environment where open, honest conversations are encouraged and valued. This can lead to numerous benefits for individuals and the company as a whole.

Where can I find more information or help?

Your wellbeing (bma.org.uk) is a great website with lots of useful information, tips, advice and signposting to other services.

Talk to a health care professional, and they can help you address these issues effectively.