Positive effects of trauma:

Heightened intuition

High emotional IQ

Processing and integration of past events

Increased belief in self

Improved self-confidence & independence

TYPES OF TRIGGERS & PTSD DISRUPTORS

Triggers can be physical, emotional, sensory (sights, sounds, smell), relational emotional response, an activated memory. You might feel that you are revisiting a familiar place (dimly-lit narrow hallway) or may smell a perfume that transports you back to a traumatic scene.

Disruptors allow you to remain present in your body and avoid dissociation. Be self-protective. Avoid catastrophizing. Physically move so you can feel your body in its present state. Choose an empowering action. Don’t stay silent. Tell the truth even in a pandemic

VICARIOUS TRAUMA

Vicarious trauma is traumatization through hearing of trauma, suffering, death of patients (or participating in the care of suffering patients). Our empathic connection and visceral exposure allows our senses to fully participate in a traumatic encounter—even if we resist or think we can “handle it.”

Physicians often ask how I can deal with the suffering of so many colleagues who struggle with depression or suicidal thoughts. Here’s what has helped me. Utilize similar strategies for yourself.

1. Support groups – I’ve started several support groups for doctors and a loss survivors group for families who have lost physicians to suicide. By having a group, individuals do not feel alone and do not face the burden of caring for others alone. Avoid generic support groups. Bigger is not necessarily better. Targeted, intimate, smaller groups (<100) may be best for sharing authentic personal thoughts.

2. Pair up – Have a mastermind partner—someone with aligned vision and purpose who shares in your struggle. Create a ritual in which you contact each other daily, weekly, by text, email, dinner dates. The more you engage, the better. Though physical isolation may be necessary in a pandemic, emotional isolation is deadly (especially for physicians).