The term ‘the wounded healer’ dates to Plato in ancient Greek medicine and has flourished across cultures having roots in early shamanistic communities. The Greek word “wound” translates to what we think of as trauma. ‘Healer’ refers to anyone who treats or somehow helps another emotionally, mentally, physically, or spiritually. Healers in modern society look like teachers, nurses, counselors, therapists, caregivers, etc.
According to trauma expert Dr. Omar Reda (2022), being a wounded healer is seen as both a vulnerability and a strength. In transforming our own pain, whether that be from our own early, personal traumatic experiences or shared traumatic experiences during a pandemic, we are uniquely positioned to help others heal. In fact, according to Dr. Reda’s research, healers who have suffered, then managed, their own deep wounds often are most effective at supporting others, compared to those with less challenging life experiences.
Wounded healers are gifts to the helping professions because they have endured traumatic, yet valuable life experiences, increasing their capacity for understanding, empathy, self-care, and resiliency. As acknowledged empathetic Wounded Healers, we are tasked with helping others with their emotional health while at the same time addressing our own needs.
How is Pandemic Stress Different from Routine Occupational Stress?
In 2022, research findings show that the risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among workers remains alarmingly high compared to before the pandemic. Experts conducting the study caution that PTSD makes people more emotionally volatile and increasingly susceptible to stress, anxiety, depression, and addiction. It will take little to impact employee’s mental state and the post pandemic effects could linger within individuals to varying degrees and for over a period of years. This includes those in the helping professions, who are vulnerable to feeling overwhelmed by witnessing the suffering of others (Watson, 2022).
Emotional stress from witnessing the suffering of others, also known as secondary loss experience, or more aptly, secondary trauma, is also called ‘compassion fatigue.’ Compassion fatigue is now studied as its own syndrome. Those in a helping profession can not only suffer from compassion fatigue but can also feel a magnetic pull to help others, causing them to prioritize their patients and abandon their own self-care.
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The above excerpt is from Healing the Healer, a one-hour online continuing education (CE) course that seeks to cultivate the emotional well-being of healthcare professionals who have been on the front lines supporting others. Click here to learn more.
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