Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Medical Professionals in San Luis Obispo County, California
Trauma Therapy for Doctors, Nurses, PAs, and other Healthcare Professionals in San Luis Obispo County, California
Direct and vicarious trauma can impact the mental health of medical professionals. Find help and support in San Luis Obispo County, California
In the high pressure, life-and-death world of medicine, healthcare workers are often faced with situations that impact not only their patients, but themselves.
Medical professionals are sometimes faced with the effects of what therapists call vicarious or secondary trauma, which occurs when they are repeatedly exposed to traumatic situations or stories from their patients. Vicarious trauma often builds over time, manifesting in subtle yet pervasive ways.
Medical professionals can also find themselves victims of direct trauma which can lead to developing PTSD- either from working with patients in life threatening situations, witnessing serious injuries, or even from working in toxic and extremely stressful work environments.
Why Medical Professionals are At Risk
Doctors, nurses, PAs, and other healthcare workers are particularly at risk due to the nature of their work. They experience high levels of exposure to the suffering of others on a daily basis. Research indicates that chronic exposure to trauma in medical environments can lead to emotional exhaustion, reduced job satisfaction, and eventually burnout.
Some contributing factors include:
Chronic exposure to patient trauma: repeatedly hearing about or witnessing traumatic situations can lead to a buildup of emotional stress
High levels of empathy: medical professionals often got into their line of work due to their desire to help others, but this “cost of caring” can make them vulnerable to taking their patient’s stories and suffering home with them
Personal vulnerability: if a healthcare worker has unresolved stressors, is currently suffering from a mental illness, or is experiencing relationship distress at home, they can be more susceptible to the impact of trauma
Lack of emotional support: the highly intellectual and achievement-driven field of medicine doesn’t often create space for the emotional impact of the work they do. This can lead to professionals seeking to numb or distract from their feelings, rather than processing them in a supportive manner
Signs & Symptoms of Trauma
It is almost a guarantee that healthcare workers have been exposed to trauma, but how can they tell if they are experiencing symptoms as a result? Medical professionals should look for the symptoms of Compassion Fatigue or PTSD.
Emotional Symptoms: anxiety, depression, irritability, shame, feeling overwhelmed. Emotions can range from hopelessness, feeling detached or numb to angry outbursts and intense reactivity to people, places, or things that resemble the trauma they witnessed.
Cognitive Symptoms: difficulty concentrating, memory issues, intrusive thoughts or flashbacks to traumatic memories, persistent worry about patients or work, nightmares.
Behavioral Changes: withdrawal from family or friends, avoidance of work, increased substance use, and possible reckless behavior. Hypervigilance may present as being overly alert, always on guard, or easily startled.
Physical Symptoms: fatigue, headaches, sleep disturbances, or other unexplained chronic pain. Panic attacks (increased heart rate, sweating, difficulty breathing, etc).
The Impact of Untreated Trauma in Medical Professionals
The impact of trauma can lead to emotional distress, relationship issues, and decreased performance at work. The effects of trauma often begin with emotional exhaustion and decreased empathy toward patients. When left untreated, healthcare workers may find themselves facing burnout, which is associated with increased risk of errors, absenteeism, and dissatisfaction with work.
There is Hope
While the impact of trauma in healthcare professionals is inevitable- suffering doesn’t have to be. There are mental health resources that can support medical professionals in San Luis Obispo County, California.
If you are a medical professional that is struggling with the effects of trauma, reach out today. There are evidence-based methods for treating direct and vicarious trauma; relief is possible.
Reach Out Today
If you are a healthcare worker in San Luis Obispo County California, reach out for trauma mental health support today. Call to schedule your free 15-minute consultation to take your next step in treating, and overcoming, your trauma symptoms.