The Power Of Support Groups
There are an estimated 24 million cases of PTSD in the USA alone, the majority of the patients likely being veterans. But PTSD has gradually become associated with civilian professionals nowadays: firefighters, police officers, emergency techs, and other first responders whose jobs routinely put them in harm’s way and expose them to horrific scenes. PTSD extend far beyond combat scenarios. Yet, seeking professional help is still a stigma in this world we live in. Working out, yoga, out-skiing it or out-running it do not heal the mental and emotional issues. They’re tools for looking and feeling better physically but they do not resolve the traumas. Traumas need to be processed.
Compassion fatigue does not only affect the medical professional in terms of job satisfaction, emotional and physical health but also the relationships she or he has at home. Taking a break to eat, using the restroom, taking time off and talking about emotions are frowned upon in the medical field. You are expected to take good care of others while you neglect yourselves and your families. You are expected to listen and advocate for your patients while you ignore your own emotional and mental needs.
Most medical professionals enter the medical field with the hopes of helping others and making a difference, only to feel burnout and experience vicarious trauma due to self neglect and the lack of support. Not a lot of people can understand what you do at work and how it can affect you mentally and emotionally. Talking about the emotional and mental struggles of the job is not something medical professionals do.
Vicarious trauma is inevitable in the emergency medical field or in public service. Depression, anxiety, burnout, addiction, trauma and suicidal ideation is higher in the medical field than other professional fields in America. Nurses, EMS workers, surgeons & general doctors are among the highest rate of suicide in America according to CBS news. Mental Health Daily reported that evidence suggests that doctors and first responders are twice as likely to commit suicide than those working with other occupations. Why? Because there is that stigma about asking for help.
Support groups provide a safe and supportive place where you will be with the people who can relate to the struggles you have as a first responder or a healthcare professional. Our counselor experienced first hand working in the medical field and EMS field, therefore we know how you feel. Knowing that you are not alone with the challenges you face personally, at home or at work brings hope and builds resilience in the unique life of a medical professional.
What you are going through is a very unique experience and your reaction to it is normal. We understand what you’re going through. We know you are the expert of your life but we are here to help you find your strengths and see if we can collaborate to find fulfillment in your life. Set up your free 30 minute consult with us now. There is no obligation, lets just chat!
Northern Liberties Counselingis a professional counseling practice that empowers people with the gift or trauma therapy. We are the mental health ally of healthcare professionals and other “helping” professionals who suffer from vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue and other emotional issues. We provide services that span from therapy for depression, anxiety, ptsd to team building and beyond. Get your free consult by clicking HERE
The Burnout Support Group for healthcare professionals and first responders is back on March 6th, March 20th, April 3rd and April 17th (every other Tuesday) at WeWork Northern Liberties from 6pm to 7:30pm. Register now by clicking HERE or the link: https://burnoutsupportgroup4.eventbrite.com
*Refreshments are provided.