In the first wave of the pandemic, researchers found healthcare workers suffered increased burnout. Women were struggling more than men. It’s on the rise again and bringing the quiet storm out of the shadows. These overworked angels experience uncertainty and fear for their personal safety. Their eyes are open to financial worries. Then there's helplessness, and the conspiracy theorist claiming COVID-19 is fake. It’s frightening to admit to themselves or others they need help.
Working Without Resources
Hospitals are packed with a scarcity of beds. They can't control these conditions. When people worry about getting an infection and bringing it to their families, all eyes are on them. Healthcare workers are overwhelmed. There’s a lack of PPE. Resources are low as well as their energy. They need something more hopeful than regular therapy. Trauma therapy is here as another resource.
The trauma they wear is like a tattoo. Healthcare workers don’t have a shield. They’re approaching burnout and have the urge to walk away. They can’t help everyone and neglect to help themselves.
When they’re in its grip they feel stuck in a wilderness. Something happens when they panic. It’s mental and physical. There are cracks showing in healthcare workers' fragile mental health. People have a way of externalizing these feelings. In ways like:
Detachment
exhaustion and pains.
Changes in sleeping or eating.
Getting sick often due to a comprised immune system.
Lack of motivation
Increased apathy and procrastination.
Isolated from responsibility and loved ones
Irritated -lashing out at others
Avoiding work
Self-medicating w/alcohol, drugs, or food
Trauma therapy helps them prevent or recover when they are stuck in burnout. There’s individual and group therapy. Coping skills such as CBT and DBT. Mind-body approaches help them through breaths to self-soothe and stay grounded.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy differs from CBT. It uses mindfulness to accept their emotions. Therapists teach mindfulness, meditation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation. This works to combat self-destructive behaviors.
EMDR is not ordinary therapy
Usually, the client observes the therapist move two fingers. The emotions and sensations are processed during this while focusing on the movement. EMDR is an appropriate therapy for anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. It works to change the way they process physical emotional and psychological effects. Eye Movement Desensitization is a safe technique to process until it no longer affects their life. There are eight phases of this treatment:
History taking
Client preparation
Assessment
Desensitization
Installation
Body Scan
Closure
Reevaluation
What they Can Do After Work
These heroes must draw the line to diffuse the situation. This means keeping work and home separate. Enjoy their family and outside interest. Healthcare workers need an outlet when their shift is over. The stress is released through a walk, a run, or a workout.
Trauma Recovery Services Wants to Talk With You
We work hard to help your survival. Our trauma-informed clinic in Arizona offers services for anxiety, depression, and PTSD. If you can’t explain why you’re feeling stifled or trapped, contact us and we'll show you goodwill.