Someone I care about found herself in the throes of an emerging crisis recently and it made for a lopsided day for me. The tasks and duties I’d planned to tackle fell by the wayside and while I wouldn’t have it any other way, I needed to reboot after the detour. Thankfully my dear one is in a better place.
Not a great place, but she’s got traction and that’s a starting point.
Reflecting on the intense interaction, I leaned into my meditation practice to ground myself and dispense with the emotions I absorbed…that were not my own.
Call it self-care. Call it maintenance.
My empathetic self needed down time to reconnoiter my parts…especially my heart.
But in the moment? I rose – just as so many of you do – to meet the challenge in front of me. Processing, listening, responding and asking questions with measured diligence. I was the sounding board, not the director.
In health care and education, being “trauma-informed” has become a popular aspiration. As leaders, providers, educators, and individuals, to be “trauma-informed” is to recognize the pervasiveness of trauma in the world and seek to be responsive to this unfortunate reality. It means becoming aware of trauma’s many personal and societal consequences, anticipating how trauma survivors may respond to our words and actions, and doing our part to create a world that does not cause further harm. Even more, being trauma-informed means helping to create a world that can foster growth, resiliency, and healing as well.
-Dr. Katherine King, writing for Psychology Today
Tend to the basics. Don’t jump ahead. Safety matters first and foremost.
What else can we do? Every one of us? I invite you to check out the resources highlighted this week since it’s Mental Illness Awareness Week in the U.S., thanks to the advocacy from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).
During the first week of October (October 6—October 12, 2024), SAMHSA recognizes Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) to raise awareness about mental health and provide support and treatment options for mental health conditions.
Today as I share this message, my heart goes out to those in the path of nature’s fury and those suffering due to heinous human conflict. Community. Connection. Care. We each have a role to play.
Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue | Eckhartz Press.
I couldn’t help but think of the need to prevent trauma in a world where some people have been encouraged by politicians to treat others as Untermenschen and traumatize them. That, too, is in our hands to prevent by voting.
this is such a good approach to someone in crisis. I love the two questions, and you’re right, it’s important to jump right in and help them as needed, and also help yourself to calm and recover after the experience. I sometimes feel like I take on part of the trauma of the person I’m supporting, so it’s important to me to reground myself after. such good advice and examples from you.
Thank you for sharing this important message Vicki. I know exactly what you mean by releasing those emotions that you absorbed from others. And through the experience.
Caring for yourself in the aftermath is crucial. You already know that.
The two questions you pose are so valuable in managing a crisis.
You are so wise. 💕
I dunno about wisdom 😉 but you’re kind – that’s for sure! I think what Beth said is so true. Remembering to slow down to take care of oneself is important. We absorb so much and are sometimes unaware – rising to help others. Thank you for being you, Alegria. Appreciate you! 💕
Such an incredible beautiful and informative post, dear Vicki! I love, “My empathetic self needed down time to reconnoiter my parts…especially my heart.”
Thank you for all you do — for the people near and far!! Love you! ❤ ❤ ❤
It’s interesting. When I face challenges, it’s one thing. When I need to step in and help others, it hits differently. That really jumped out at me as I read your piece. It’s almost tougher. “Tend to the basics. Don’t jump ahead. Safety matters first and foremost.” That’s so important. Thanks Vicki.
I hope your dear one is doing better, Vicki. And thank you for raising awareness about this week.
As global issues escalate, there is a direct correlation and link to increased mental health challenges. I do agree taking a trauma-informed approach to care is so important. And I’d also add it’s needed for the care provider too that takes on the emotional weight and labour too.
Thank you so much, Ab. You said that so well…issues around the world and close to home. Escalation is dangerous and exhausting for all concerned. Appreciate you SO MUCH for your depth of understanding and your big, big heart. Hugs, hugs, hugs! 💕💕💕
The Heart of the Matter 
Some excellent advice.
Thanks so much for sharing.
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Thank you so much. Take care! 🥰
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I couldn’t help but think of the need to prevent trauma in a world where some people have been encouraged by politicians to treat others as Untermenschen and traumatize them. That, too, is in our hands to prevent by voting.
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Thank you for that, Dr. Stein. Yes, yes. ❤️
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this is such a good approach to someone in crisis. I love the two questions, and you’re right, it’s important to jump right in and help them as needed, and also help yourself to calm and recover after the experience. I sometimes feel like I take on part of the trauma of the person I’m supporting, so it’s important to me to reground myself after. such good advice and examples from you.
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You said that perfectly, Beth. Caring ones need to give themselves time to recover. Thank you so much. 🥰❤️🥰
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Thank you for sharing this important message Vicki. I know exactly what you mean by releasing those emotions that you absorbed from others. And through the experience.
Caring for yourself in the aftermath is crucial. You already know that.
The two questions you pose are so valuable in managing a crisis.
You are so wise. 💕
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I dunno about wisdom 😉 but you’re kind – that’s for sure! I think what Beth said is so true. Remembering to slow down to take care of oneself is important. We absorb so much and are sometimes unaware – rising to help others. Thank you for being you, Alegria. Appreciate you! 💕
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🥰💕
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Such an incredible beautiful and informative post, dear Vicki! I love, “My empathetic self needed down time to reconnoiter my parts…especially my heart.”
Thank you for all you do — for the people near and far!! Love you! ❤ ❤ ❤
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Thank you, Wynne. Happy to share. Xo! 🥰
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A very helpful post. I’m glad you were there for someone who needed you.
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Thank you, Elizabeth! 💕
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🥰
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It’s interesting. When I face challenges, it’s one thing. When I need to step in and help others, it hits differently. That really jumped out at me as I read your piece. It’s almost tougher. “Tend to the basics. Don’t jump ahead. Safety matters first and foremost.” That’s so important. Thanks Vicki.
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Thank you, Brian! 🥰
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The two things you noted that ran through your head were great tips if someone you know is in need of guidance or help. 🙂
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Thank you so much, Nancy. I think so, too. 🥰❤️🥰
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I hope your dear one is doing better, Vicki. And thank you for raising awareness about this week.
As global issues escalate, there is a direct correlation and link to increased mental health challenges. I do agree taking a trauma-informed approach to care is so important. And I’d also add it’s needed for the care provider too that takes on the emotional weight and labour too.
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Thank you so much, Ab. You said that so well…issues around the world and close to home. Escalation is dangerous and exhausting for all concerned. Appreciate you SO MUCH for your depth of understanding and your big, big heart. Hugs, hugs, hugs! 💕💕💕
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Beautifully written, Victoria.
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Thank you so much, dear Jennie! ❤️
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