"We first need to have a conversation," said Dr. Sharon Nguyen who was one of six panelists at a community meeting addressing the secondary trauma experienced by service workers. Teresa Williams, a sexual reproductive wellness nurse, echoes Dr. Nguyen's sentiment:
"Mental health has been taboo for so long."
Recognizing the urgent need to break the silence, the 100 Families Initiative of Sebastian County organized this gathering to raise awareness and explore solutions for those affected by trauma in service professions. Leading experts in psychiatric trauma and mental health, underscored the need for systemic changes in workplace policies, support structures, and community collaboration to improve mental health resilience and prevent burnout among professionals in high-stress environments.
Dr. Monty Atchley, a Certified Trauma Professional, discussed the physiological effects of trauma, explaining that it interferes with cognitive processes, heightens the fight-or-flight response, and impacts memory retention and learning ability. He also highlighted the reality of vicarious trauma, where caregivers unknowingly absorb the stress and trauma of their clients.
"It is not unusual for us as caregivers to take on the symptoms of our clients," he noted, stressing the need for mental health professionals to recognize their own limits.
Experts agreed that addressing secondary trauma requires a shift in workplace culture. Marsha Kinsley, LCSW, MS, LPC, LMFT, advocated for employers to implement structured wellness programs, including weekly check-ins, debriefs, and designated retreat spaces. She asserted that employers have a responsibility to address the mental health needs of their employees.
"You need strategies throughout the day to keep you going," she advised. Effective, attuned supervision and fostering social connections in the workplace were identified as key factors in preventing burnout and promoting a supportive work environment.
Williams encouraged professionals to practice self-care by taking breaks, avoiding working through lunch, and engaging in physical activities such as walking between patients. She also highlighted the importance of mentorship, stating that colleagues should check in on each other and follow up regularly.
All of these practical strategies demonstrate the importance of social support and connection. Kinsley stressed that when people don't know they should reach out or don't have someone to reach out to, their isolation can be detrimental.
As Kelly Hamman, LCSW, Trauma Treatment Specialist , Arkansas Building Effective Services for Trauma (ARBEST) UAMS, stated, "People will recover. Most people are going to be okay when they deal with something traumatic as long as they have the resources and support to deal with it."
Ultimately, panelists called for a change in perspective, advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of mental health professionals and their ability to sustain their work without experiencing chronic stress.
By fostering a work culture that values emotional well-being, providing resources for stress management, and implementing structural changes, professionals can continue to serve their communities while maintaining their own health and wellbeing.
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