09/02/2023
Direct trauma is often the result of contact with a persistent, intense event that involves death or the threat of death, injury, or physical safety to you. Traumatic events are defined by these features and don’t necessarily mean that you will develop trauma-related symptoms.
There are a range of responses experienced as a result of traumatic events, which might be physically and/or psychologically wounding (trauma distress) for you.
Examples of work-related trauma could be:
• Workplace violence
• Bullying
• Medical errors and complications
• Death and serious energy.
Signs you might be experiencing primary or secondary trauma:
• Avoidance behaviours (not wanting to be reminded in any way about the event);
• Re-experiencing (nightmares, flashbacks);
• Feeling constantly on edge (anxious, difficulty concentrating, anger, irritability).
Signs you might be experiencing vicarious trauma are feelings of:
• Sadness
• Anger at the world
• Numbness
• Being emotionally overwhelmed.
Extract from Managing PTSD For Health and Social Care Professionals by Dr Jan Smith (Founder of MindYourself App).
