TOTT 2 September 2021

TALK OF THE TOWN 2 September 2021 Advertising & Newsdesk: (046) 624-4356 Find us on Facebook 5
Signs you’re suffering from indirect trauma
due to precarious times, especially in SA
I recently attended a webinar on
vicarious trauma and secondary trauma
and that made me realise how many
people unknowingly might be exposed
to this form of trauma.
We are living in very unusual and
disturbing times, with Covid-19 and
unrest, for which nothing can really
prepare one.
I am writing this because I want to
create awareness regarding t ra u m a .
Vicarious trauma and secondary
traumatic stress are frequently used
interchangeably to refer to the indirect
trauma that can occur when people are
exposed to difficult or disturbing
images and stories second-hand.
A good example is the unrest in SA
a month ago. The images were ve r y
disturbing and definitely had an affect
on many South Africans.
Vicarious trauma can occur by
viewing graphic news reports,
gruesome or frightening television
shows and various other media,
hearing a detailed traumatic story from
another person, viewing crime scene
evidence, working in a court room and
many other ways in which we can be
indirectly affected by the content of
visuals of some other living creature’s
suffering.
One can indirectly be traumatised
by what you hear or see – daily or
weekly, the pain and fear you are
exposed to, which alters how you see
the world.
One may feel anger, withdraw from
society and also develop different types
of phobias.
Because of being indirectly
affected, one is not aware – so always
be mindful of what you allow yourself
to be fed. It affects one in different
way s :
1. Negative view of the world –
a n g e r.
2. Functioning impaired – sadness,
depression, withdrawal from friends
and family or the things you used to
e n j oy.
3. Avoidance – p l ay s
subconsciously in your mind.
4. Lack of self-care.
5. Anxiety and depression.
6. Behavioural changes – anger
outbursts.
7. Disruption in relationships.
8. Psychological – questioning
frame of reference (making decisions
on emotion), negative perception.
9. Reduction of pleasure (things that
you used to enjoy).
10. Substance abuse/use.
Vicarious trauma can also affect
one in the workplace – through making
more mistakes, low performance and
quality of work, lack of flexibility, being
MENTAL HEALTH
❝
RULEEN DE WITT
One can indirectly be
traumatised by what
you hear or see
argumentative and inpatient. Physically
it can affect one with ulcers, headaches
or heart disease.
With healthcare workers, vicarious
and secondary trauma can lead to
compassion fatigue and burnout.
How can we look after ourselves in
these uncertain times?
1. Make enough time for yourself –
take that long bath.
2. Switch off your phone and enjoy
time with yourself – and your family –
do not view websites that upset you.
3. Take a break from watching the
news (for the past year-and-a-half we
made a conscious decision not to
watch the news on TV – if something
huge happens someone will tell you).
4. Practice mindfulness – breathing
e x e rc i s e s .
5. Have an attitude of gratitude – we
have a lot to be thankful for.
6. Take a break from social media.
7. Focus on things you can control –
not things you can’t.
8. Most importantly, if you notice
any of the above symptoms please go
for therapy.
Contact Ruleen de Witt should you
like to join the support group meeting
every month in Kenton-on-Sea. You
can also contact her should you need
some help with dealing with loss or
grief, on 082-782-0287.
SADAG also have a support group
meeting on a Sunday at 4pm. Contact
Dr Glenda Hicks on 046-624-8500.