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Helping profession with a history of MI and trauma

creative_writerSenior Contributor22 Sept 2023, 5:40 pm AEST

Helping profession with a history of MI and trauma

Hi

I’m currently studying social work, studying this field comes with its triggering, whether it’s reading content or interacting with other people. I feel like I’m doing okay right now, and I hope this lasts. Sometimes I do feel concerned about being triggered, considering how many skeletons I’ve gathered in my closet over the years

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In response to: Helping profession with a history of MI and trauma

fluffylightSenior Contributor22 Sept 2023, 6:20 pm AEST

Re: Helping profession with a history of MI and trauma

Hi @creative_writer

Thank you for sharing this. Its really important that we take care of ourselves in spaces where we carry our own mental health lived/living experience all through our life alongside our work/study which can also remind us and can trigger that.

I used to work as a Peer Worker in a hospital that my mum received mental health care from, it was definitely triggering to be in as I noticed so much of my past was coming up. I found it useful having supervision or reasonable adjustments for my emotional needs.

It's great that you have noticed this for yourself and are reaching out here. I wonder what you feel would help you navigate through social work?

I wanted to share some resources with you that you may find useful:

- Self-Care Starter Kit for Social work

- Self-care for professionals

- Self care & compassion fatigue as a graduate social worker

- Reasonable adjustments

- Reasonable adjustments at work

Take care,

fluffylight xx

In response to: Re: Helping profession with a history of MI and trauma

creative_writerSenior Contributor22 Sept 2023, 7:16 pm AEST

Re: Helping profession with a history of MI and trauma

@fluffylightc thank you for those resources. I used to feel so defined by my MI and trauma, I’ve had to adjust my own narrative and redefine myself. I’m more than my own story. I used to hate myself, I felt so disgusted with myself. I hope I am on the path of recovery, I know it will be a long one

In response to: Re: Helping profession with a history of MI and trauma

fluffylightSenior Contributor22 Sept 2023, 7:37 pm AEST

Re: Helping profession with a history of MI and trauma

Hey @Captain24
I am so glad you are moving towards a different way of thinking about things. It is so hopeful and so possible for recovery, you're right it can be a long one but so worth it 💛

In response to: Re: Helping profession with a history of MI and trauma

creative_writerSenior Contributor22 Sept 2023, 9:07 pm AEST

Re: Helping profession with a history of MI and trauma

@fluffylight, I was sort of feeling sad earlier today, it happened all of a sudden. Emotions were seeping through recalling the stuff that happened to me. I’m feeling better. I feel like I’m not meant to feel upset about it anymore, I guess uncomfortable emotions can be hard to sit with

In response to: Re: Helping profession with a history of MI and trauma

tymeModerator22 Sept 2023, 9:21 pm AEST

Re: Helping profession with a history of MI and trauma

Hugs @creative_writer .

I'm hearing you. I agree that sitting in these emotions and feelings can be so unpleasant. Please be gentle with yourself.

In response to: Re: Helping profession with a history of MI and trauma

creative_writerSenior Contributor23 Sept 2023, 2:03 pm AEST

Re: Helping profession with a history of MI and trauma

@tyme, I think I’m okay, like I’m not slipping into a deep hole, but I’ve had to work on my narrative lately and that does involve making sense of things, which isn’t easy. I guess yesterday supervision session got me thinking.

I also realised that my reluctance to often seek out for support, in both a personal and professional context is that I feel like I’m supposed to have things together and not have emotional needs, like I’m supposed to take care of others and asking for support feels selfish. I don’t want others to feel uncomfortable or triggered, because if they do, I have to deal with their emotions alongside my own

In response to: Re: Helping profession with a history of MI and trauma

tymeModerator23 Sept 2023, 2:12 pm AEST

Re: Helping profession with a history of MI and trauma

Go slow @creative_writer . Be kind to yourself. You have been through a lot. Are you doing anything today to hopefully feel a bit better?

In response to: Re: Helping profession with a history of MI and trauma

creative_writerSenior Contributor23 Sept 2023, 3:23 pm AEST

Re: Helping profession with a history of MI and trauma

@tyme, just been doing lots of processing, I guess my mind will process things better right now than they would’ve done when I was in a really bad state. I do need to take breaks though, was thinking of taking a shower soon, it’s hair washing day today. How are you doing?

In response to: Re: Helping profession with a history of MI and trauma

tymeModerator23 Sept 2023, 3:28 pm AEST

Re: Helping profession with a history of MI and trauma

My day’s been okay. I’m sitting in the sun now and it’s lovely @creative_writer .

In response to: Re: Helping profession with a history of MI and trauma

creative_writerSenior Contributor23 Sept 2023, 5:24 pm AEST

Re: Helping profession with a history of MI and trauma

@tyme, it is nice and sunny today. Do you have plans for the rest of the weekend?

I just took a shower, hair is drying up in a towel, and I sprayed my fav perfume. Feel so much lighter, amazing what a shower can do

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SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.