Helping profession with a history of MI and trauma

[creative_writer]

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 

[fluffylight]

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

[creative_writer]

@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

[fluffylight]

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 💛

[creative_writer]

@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

[tyme]

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. 

[creative_writer]

@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

[tyme]

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?

[creative_writer]

@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?

[tyme]

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