Trauma-informed self-care for social workers: Understanding trauma responses

Dear social worker, in the demanding field of social work, you can often find yourself navigating through the complex terrain of trauma. As you tirelessly advocate for vulnerable groups, it becomes imperative for you to prioritise your own well-being. Trauma-informed self-care serves as a guiding principle, acknowledging the impact of trauma on yourself and society while emphasising the need for compassionate and intentional care. In this article, we will delve into the essence of trauma-informed self-care and explore how understanding the four trauma responses can significantly contribute to a your well-being.

Understanding the ‘Four Trauma Responses
Fight Response: The fight response is characterised by a heightened state and an instinctual reaction to confront perceived threats. In the context of trauma, you may find yourself engaging in battles against injustice or advocating fiercely for your families. While this response is crucial for effective advocacy, it can lead to burnout if not managed appropriately. Trauma-informed self-care encourages you as a social worker to recognise the importance of setting boundaries, knowing when to step back and finding constructive outlets for your energy.

Flight Response: On the flip side, the flight response involves the impulse to escape or avoid overwhelming situations. You may experience this response when faced with the sheer magnitude of trauma you encounter daily. Constantly running from one crisis to another without taking time to recharge, or indeed avoiding ‘feeling your feelings’, can have detrimental effects on your well-being. Trauma-informed self-care encourages you to embrace the flight response and the develop strategies to recharge both mentally and physically.

Freeze Response: The freeze response manifests as a state of immobilisation or emotional numbness. Due to the nature of the work, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer weight of your experiences, leading to a sense of helplessness. Trauma-informed self-care recognises the freeze response as a signal that self-compassion and professional support are crucial. Encouraging you to seek support, can help you process your emotions, preventing burnout and fostering resilience.

Fawn Response: The fawn response involves a strong inclination to please others, often at the expense of personal boundaries. As social workers, we are driven by a deep sense of empathy, or may find yourselves consistently prioritising work, or your families’ needs over your own. While compassion is a cornerstone of social work, an unbridled fawn response can lead to emotional exhaustion and vicarious trauma. Trauma-informed self-care encourages social workers to cultivate a balance between empathy and self-protection, promoting assertiveness and self-advocacy.

Implications for Your Well-Being
Recognising and understanding these trauma responses is pivotal for your wellbeing. Trauma-informed self-care emphasises the importance of regular self-reflection, supervision and ongoing professional development to equip you with the tools needed to navigate the challenging terrain of the job.

In my view, trauma-informed self-care is not a luxury but a necessity, for social workers. By understanding the four trauma responses and integrating trauma-informed principles into your self-care practice, you can foster resilience, prevent burnout and continue to be effective advocates for those in need. As the saying goes, "You can't pour from an empty cup," and in the realm of social work, maintaining a full cup, (as far as possible) is essential for sustaining both personal and professional well-being.

Remember you’re not alone.