Safeguarding Your Mental Health: HR's Approach to Secondary Trauma

Hey friend,

I've been thinking a lot about the challenges we face in HR, especially when it comes to dealing with secondary trauma. You know, that stress we pick up from helping employees through their own traumatic experiences? It can sneak up on us and take a toll on our mental health and well-being. I’ve been doing some reading, and I want to share a few strategies that can really help us process this exposure effectively.

Understanding Secondary Trauma

First, it's important to recognize what secondary trauma is. Also known as vicarious trauma, it happens when we are exposed to the distress and trauma of others, which can lead to symptoms similar to those experienced by the individuals who directly went through the trauma. This can include anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and even symptoms of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) (Figley, 1995).

Acknowledge and Validate Your Feelings

One of the first steps in dealing with secondary trauma is acknowledging that it exists and that it's okay to feel affected by it. We often pride ourselves on being resilient and supportive, but it’s crucial to recognize that our work can have emotional repercussions. Validating these feelings is not a sign of weakness but a necessary step towards maintaining our mental health (Newell & MacNeil, 2010).

Establish Boundaries

Setting boundaries is essential. It's important to create a clear separation between work and personal life. This might mean not taking work calls after a certain hour or ensuring you have a space at home that is free from work-related items. Establishing these boundaries helps in creating a mental buffer and allows for time to recharge and disconnect from the emotional demands of our job.

Seek Support and Supervision

Don’t hesitate to seek support from your peers or supervisors. Regular supervision can provide a safe space to discuss difficult cases and your feelings about them. Peer support groups can also be incredibly beneficial, as they offer a chance to share experiences and coping strategies with others who understand what you're going through (Figley, 2002).

Engage in Self-Care

Self-care isn't just a buzzword; it's a vital practice for anyone dealing with secondary trauma. This can include physical activities like exercise, which helps reduce stress and improve mood, as well as hobbies and activities that you enjoy. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga can also be very effective in managing stress and preventing burnout (Newell & MacNeil, 2010).

Professional Help

Sometimes, the impact of secondary trauma may require professional intervention. Seeking help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in trauma can provide you with additional tools and strategies to cope with the emotional toll of your work. Therapy can offer a space to process your experiences and develop resilience against future exposure to trauma.

Training and Education

Investing in ongoing training and education about secondary trauma can equip us with the knowledge and skills to handle it more effectively. Understanding the signs and symptoms, as well as the best practices for prevention and management, can empower us to take proactive steps in safeguarding our mental health (Figley, 2002).

Develop a Resilience Plan

Creating a personal resilience plan can be incredibly helpful. This might include setting goals for self-care, identifying support networks, and developing coping strategies that you can turn to in times of stress. Having a plan in place means that when secondary trauma hits, you have a clear roadmap to follow to take care of yourself.

Create a Supportive Workplace Culture

Finally, it’s important to foster a workplace culture that acknowledges the impact of secondary trauma and supports employees in dealing with it. This can involve regular check-ins, providing access to mental health resources, and promoting a healthy work-life balance. Encouraging open conversations about mental health and trauma can help reduce stigma and ensure that everyone feels supported.

In our line of work, dealing with secondary trauma is almost inevitable. However, by taking proactive steps to acknowledge, manage, and mitigate its effects, we can protect our mental health and continue to provide the best support to those who need it. Remember, taking care of yourself is not only beneficial for you but also for the people you are there to help. So, let's make self-care a priority and create a supportive environment for each other.

Thank you for the work you do out there, and don't forget to make time to take care of yourself!

References

Figley, C. R. (1995). Compassion fatigue: Coping with secondary traumatic stress disorder in those who treat the traumatized. Brunner/Mazel.

Newell, J. M., & MacNeil, G. A. (2010). Professional burnout, vicarious trauma, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion fatigue: A review of theoretical terms, risk factors, and preventive methods for clinicians and researchers. Best Practices in Mental Health, 6(2), 57-68.