Help! Dealing with Trauma Exposure

Is this Burnout?

You know that feeling when your mind won't stop because there is too much to do?  You are at home but your mind is on work.  You keep trying to think out of the box and find a way to fix things.

You experience a success. But every time you think you are closer, you realize there is more to be done. Domestic violence.  Poverty.  Abuse.  Immigration.  Education.  And the list goes on. 

The little successes become overshadowed by a heavy cloud of all that's wrong in this world. You can't stop believing that you can change things - because if you stop believing, what point is there in doing?

Coping with Trauma Exposure

Over time, some people dull their heart to others' problems.  They can't cope with the pain of seeing others suffer.  So they pull away and approach it from an intellectual standpoint.  But our emotions make us uniquely able to listen empathetically, hold someone compassionately, and fight for our cause unequivocally. 

Some people decide there is no use in trying.  There is too much work to be done.  And they pursue a career with more immediate results. 

However, there is me and you.  Like Benjamin Franklin, we believe that, "Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are."  We believe that we should "do what is right, not what is easy."  So, if you're like me, listen...

1. Celebrate the little successes.  In "Trauma Stewardship," Lipsky says that those who witness trauma in their work may feel like they can never do enough (Lipsky, 2009). Think of the individuals you help, not just the larger systematic and societal hurdles.  Remember the story of the person in whose life you made a difference.

"I can't promise to fix all your problems, but I can promise you won't have to face them all alone."

2.  Take personal time to reconnect spiritually.  Lipsky (2009) discusses the hyper vigilance that can  accompany trauma exposure.  You begin to notice greater injustices and have a stronger sense of fear.  Although this may activate your "fight" response to work harder, take time to reconnect.  I reconnect spiritually through being in nature, listening to music, and prayer.  You may dance, create art, or do yoga.  Turn off your cell phone.  No work emails allowed.  Reconnect.

3. And lastly, keep believing that you can change the world.  Join with others who share your passion. Use social media to raise awareness of your cause.  Great people make a name for themselves through perseverance.

"Of course, it's hard.  It's supposed to be hard. If it were easy, everybody would do it.  Hard is what makes it great."  ~ A League of Their Own