“The expectation that we can be immersed in suffering and loss daily and not be touched by it is as unrealistic as expecting to be able to walk through water without getting wet.”
Naomi Rachel Remen
Vicarious trauma is a specific form of trauma (secondary trauma) that may occur amongst professionals who work with trauma survivors. When you care about and empathise with the pain of people who have experienced traumatic events, this may bring the client’s fear, anger, grief and despair into your own awareness where you experience these feelings alongside your clients.
Certain occupations such as those working in the medical profession, therapists, counsellors, police officers, fire-fighters, child-protection workers and journalists are particularly prone to vicarious trauma. Long term, symptoms look like those of PTSD and can include:
· Changes in eating habits (over or under-eating)
· Sleeping difficulties (insomnia or oversleeping)
Nightmares or intrusive thoughts
Difficulties with concentration
Hyperarousal or hypervigilance
Panic attacks
Short term, the effects can be more subtle and creep up on you. It is important to be on the lookout for changes in your own demeanour and behaviour before it gets more severe and starts to affect your life and your ability to work. Watch out for:
· Self-isolation or avoidance
· No time for yourself, family, friends or healthy living
· Feeling indifferent or emotionally exhausted
· Increased irritability, cynicism or anger
· Sarcasm or “dark” humour
· Heightened startle response
· Client frustration and blaming
· Feeling powerless and hopeless
· Feeling guilty or shame about your inability to cope
· Substance abuse
· Denial (“I’m fine”:)
· Grandiosity
Contrary to what you may believe, it is neither selfish to look after yourself nor shameful to seek support when you are working with people who are suffering. It is best practice. If you want to give your best, you must be at your best. You need to practice self-compassion and mindfully balancing looking after yourself to effectively care for others. Self-care can take many forms. It can involve physical activity, connecting with others, engaging in hobbies, learning new skills unrelated to work or taking time out. Self-care might involve engaging in peer support opportunities, practicing mindfulness skills or asking for help from a mental health professional. It is important to realise that you are not alone.
Many studies agree that the process of art making is inherently healing, it can relieve stress and anxiety and provide self-care. The best thing is that you don’t have to be good at art to participate in art making. It’s really about the process of slowing down and working mindfully, being in the present and developing your creative skills.
The “Art for Wellbeing” sessions I offer are typically run in small groups. They’re engaging and social with a focus on the positive. Reach out today if you would like to take a self-care assessment, or book into a group “Art for Wellbeing” session or an individual counselling session. Rebates available for Doctor’s Health Fund members.
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