Taking care of yourself Put your own mask on first

As you have read through the approaches to trauma-informed practice, you may have related to some of them yourself. We all need safety, trust, choice, collaboration and empowerment for our wellbeing. It is helpful to remember these practices when we interact with our colleagues as well as students. In the process let s not forget to treat ourselves with compassion.

Taking care of ourselves will protect us from the risk of experiencing vicarious trauma: a health risk that has been identified among staff who regularly engage empathetically with survivors of trauma. Some of us may directly relate to students experiences of adversity because of our own stories. However, over-empathising and over- identifying can take an emotional toll.

To help others, we need to take care of ourselves. Consider talking to a person you trust about your concerns. The university also offers a confidential Employment Assistance Programme (EAP) including free counselling services.

Watch It

Click here to see a video of two staff members showing good practice in a 1:1 discussion

Click here for an exercise you can try to gain perspective on difficult eventsTry it

Click to browse a range of resources designed to support your wellbeing Read It

Tips for emotional recovery Here are a few pointers to help you to recover emotionally from a stressful interaction.

Mental

Disconnect

Clear your mind

Visualise the outcome

Physical

Close your eyes

Take a breath

Release tension

Social

Be kind

Be honest

Ask for help

Click to access Togetherall an online community for shared experiences and mutual support relating to mental health and wellbeingTry it