Types of support
There is effective support available for those experiencing ongoing difficulties and this is considered here. Recognising your needs and doing something about this is a choice. This can only be made by the individuals affected at a time that feels right for them.
Just as no one can make another change their behaviour, neither can someone make another person get help if they are not ready to do so. We may not approve of other ways of coping, but it is vital we respect their attempts to manage their difficulties. Helping them to maintain relationships can make the biggest difference to helping them move on.
Interventions that can help with longer term issues
Trauma focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and ‘eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing’ (EMDR) therapy are both recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Evidence (NICE) if problems continue for more than 4 weeks or is severely affecting capacity to function, or there are risks of harm or psychosis.
These are provided by the NHS talking therapies service which can be accessed through self-referral or via your GP. Some employers offer psychological therapies through their human resource or occupational health services.
People may need more sessions or multi-disciplinary support (Community Mental Health Team) if there are:
- Multiple traumatic events.
- Social isolation.
- Traumatic bereavement.
- Where chronic disability results from the trauma.
- If there are significant risks to themselves or others.
Self-care
As referred to earlier, taking good care of yourself is worthwhile whatever your circumstances. When your work-life is about taking care of others, taking extra care of yourself becomes essential. So is ensuring you have a work-life balance key to preventing vicarious trauma, burnout and compassion fatigue. Doing plenty of what makes you laugh and having hobbies you enjoy are not indulgences, try to think of this as necessary self-maintenance. Having time off from feeling and thinking about the trauma you have supported others to come through, means you keep ‘topping -up’ your inner resources, so you can continue to offer others support when needed.
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Some things to think about
- How do you feel about sources of professional help?
- Sometimes we can rule ourselves out of accepting more specialist help because we view ourselves as strong, or feel that it’s okay for other people but not for us or perhaps it may be viewed as a sign of weakness. What do you think?