This issue, we’re featuring guest contributor Orson Morrison, Psy.D., director of DePaul Family and Community Services and graduate of The Chicago School’s Clinical Psychology program. Throughout his career, Dr. Morrison has focused on children, adolescents, and families impacted by poverty, social exclusion, violence, and abuse. Previously, he was vice president of child and family services at Lawrence Hall Youth Services, clinical director of Hartgrove Hospital’s outpatient psychiatric clinic, and director of psychology training at Riveredge Hospital.
Self-Care Tips for Trauma
Recognize the trauma: Trauma is often multilayered, resulting from many different circumstances and events. It can impact anyone, both mentally and physically. Professionals like me are working every day in as many public venues as possible to help more people recognize the signs and side effects of trauma. Symptoms can manifest as altered relationships with friends, significant others, and coworkers, as well as an impaired ability to perform basic tasks.
Seek professional treatment: Not everyone needs professional treatment, but it is often recommended—especially in cases where the effects of trauma are limiting day-to-day functions. If you seek professional help, you can expect to discuss your specific needs with your therapist so they can put together a treatment plan that is right for you. Common therapeutic practices used to help treat trauma may include:
- Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy
- Interpersonal psychotherapy (an approach focused on difficulties and conflicts in interpersonal relationships)
- Somatic experiencing therapy (an approach focused on improving mental connection with the body)
Build a routine: Trauma depletes an individual’s sense of safety and predictability in the world, so building or maintaining routines can help regain a sense of empowerment in daily life. Routines can be as simple as daily walks or weekly meetups with friends or loved ones.
Incorporate mindfulness: Trauma is a body-based condition, so relearning how to exist with comfort and strength in your body is incredibly important. Mindfulness-based approaches that utilize the five senses can help rebuild a sense of confidence and safety. Mindfulness activities can include aromatherapy, art therapy, meditation, or any other activities that support feelings of being grounded and calm.
Get involved and give back: Volunteering or finding other ways to give back to your community can be very healing. For those managing trauma, this rebuilds confidence in both the self and the outside world.
Options That Support Organizational Mental Health
A vital first step for organizations is to acknowledge mental health as crucial to the overall success of their teams. Supporting mental health and wellness within organizations improves morale, productivity, and retention rates. Once organizations prioritize mental health and wellness, there are many ways to support it. Options include:
Create employee assistance programs: Curate a lists of external mental health services for employees or host workshops with mental health experts focused on various mental health issues.
Cultivate a diverse environment: Engage with diverse employees to generate and implement ideas to support mental health, ensuring solutions are relevant to the environment.
Make space for rest: Especially when healing from trauma, it’s important to take time to step away from work, be with family and friends, pursue hobbies, and replenish our energy.
Normalize mental health issues and needs: Leadership should set the tone by modeling that it’s okay to not be okay and make clear that employees suffering from mental health issues like trauma will be supported rather than stigmatized.
Learn more about The Chicago School
To learn more about academic programs at The Chicago School, fill out the information below to request more information. You can also apply today through our application portal here.