MHM Magazine

26 | MENTALHEALTHMATTERS | Issue 5 | 2021 MHM It has been an incredibly heavy time in South Africa over the past couple of months with COVID, the Third Wave, the looting and civil unrest, and upcoming elections. As we navigate our responses during this time, it’s vital we realise how we’re all impacted by trauma and apply much needed psychological first aid. Whether we’re medical pro- fessionals, frontline staff, NGOs or citizens, we all need time to decon- gest and debrief. There has been a profound shift in the world view of trauma and the understanding that people who work with victims of trauma can suffer vicarious trauma themselves. Working with trauma on a permanent basis does not inure us to its affects. For those who hear constant stories of trauma – like police, counsellors, emergency personnel, and doctors – the emotions and reactions of victims and survivors can be internalised. “Trauma workers can start to behave in ‘trauma reactive’ ways without even realising it,” says clinical and counselling psychologist, Penny Mathumba. We now acknowledge that witnessing a traumatic event or hearing stories and details of a trauma can result in secondary or vicarious trauma. “Listening to traumatic accounts on a regular basis causes a fundamental shift in our beliefs and our view of the world,” explains Mathumba. When we witness or hear the details of a traumatic or violent incident, we start to think of what will happen if it happens to us or someone we love. Even if it isn’t a conscious thought, we become more alert to dangers and our levels of anxiety increase. Because there are many similar symptoms, we often confuse vicarious trauma with burnout and PTSD. These are different conditions with different treatments. By Penny Mathumba and Laura Bergh Penny Mathumba (Clinical Psychologist) and Laura Bergh (Founder of Green Light Office) VICARIOUS AND SECONDARY TRAUMA How healthcare workers can look after themselves and others