Last month at an employee wellbeing forum, we heard from Kirsten Yates, Senior Clinical Psychologist at Monash Health, who shared valuable insights into collective trauma experiences, compassion fatigue and moral distress.
In her presentation, Kirsten discussed the impact working through the pandemic can have on health care workers, signs and symptoms of distress and what can be done to mitigate these effects.
“The pandemic, and lockdowns particularly, can be considered collective trauma events. These have an impact on the broader community and challenge people’s typical understanding of the way the world works.”
“Health care workers are living and experiencing the pandemic whilst trying to hold and provide care to the public. It is a unique challenge to be living the traumatic event at the same time as those you are caring for.”
Moral distress and injury
Kirsten shared that the ongoing demands associated with working through the pandemic result in a complex combination of emotions which can include burnout, compassion fatigue and moral distress, all of which are occurring on the background of the collective trauma event.
The concept of moral distress or injury has received increasing attention during the pandemic. It arises where in high stakes situations, one’s moral values are challenged or transgressed.
For health care workers, this is often when they are not able to deliver care in the way they have been trained due to restrictions imposed by the pandemic.
Some of the emotional impacts related to this can include feelings of anger, guilt, shame or reduced empathy, with associated beliefs about being unworthy, damaged or weak. This then can contribute to withdrawal from colleagues, family and difficulty in occupational functioning.
It is important to consider that while many of us will experience some of these impacts, most will also return to our usual level of functioning with some time, rest and connecting with our regular supports.
Helpful strategies
Some of the processes and strategies that have been found to be useful in managing pandemic challenges may become embedded in our usual practice.
These include team huddles, buddy systems, or team dress up days that have been implemented to keep individuals connected. Alternatively, it may include strategies learned to separate work from home to ensure rest and replenishment.
As we continue to respond to the pandemic, Kirsten acknowledged that there are likely still many challenges to be faced and shared several strategies you may wish to consider. These include:
- Build a sense of purpose – remember the difference you are making and the importance of the work you do
- Celebrate successes – no matter how small or big, both professional and personal
- Express gratitude and compassion – search for the good amongst negative news or events
- Seek mentors – to help offer a different perspective and learn from their experiences
- Check in on your colleagues – practice small acts of kindness
- Identify your early warning signals – check in with yourself and recognise when you may need help
- Encourage a culture of help seeking – you are never alone and reach out to employees who may need support
For more insights and strategies, you can watch Kirsten’s full presentation here.
If you or someone you are concerned about needs someone to talk to, please reach out through the Employee Assistance Program on 1300 687 327 and one of their specialist counsellors will be in touch.
For additional resources and advice on health and wellbeing, please visit the Monash Health COVID-19 employee website.
Approved by Karen Lowe.