What are effective ways for social workers to cope with secondary trauma?
Social workers are often exposed to the suffering, trauma, and violence of their clients, which can have a negative impact on their own mental health and well-being. This is known as secondary trauma, or the emotional distress that results from hearing about or witnessing the traumatic experiences of others. Secondary trauma can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, burnout, insomnia, and compassion fatigue. Therefore, it is essential for social workers to cope with secondary trauma and prevent it from affecting their personal and professional lives. Here are some effective ways for social workers to cope with secondary trauma.