Self-Care for Secondary Traumatic Stress (continued)

Use these healthy coping skills to buffer secondary traumatic stress.

• Prioritize work and life balance. Advocate for it – for yourself and others.
• Expect and request regular supervision and supportive consultation.
• Observe and learn how supporting others in trauma is affecting you, emotionally, behaviorally, and physically.
• Work to understand your background, and how it impacts your well-being and coping.
• Learn your triggers, and warning signs.
• Ask for help!
• Take advantage of any behavioral health benefits available to you.
• Consider individual or group counseling.
• Let others know when you are overwhelmed and need help to maintain your balance.
• Strive to overcome stigma you may feel about taking care of yourself.

It is critical to address secondary traumatic stress early and often. When secondary trauma is not addressed, it can impact physical, behavioral, and emotional well-being.

If you are concerned with your level of secondary traumatic stress, please seek support.