Episode 18: The Wounded Health Theory: How Nurses Can Overcome Trauma from the Pandemic

You, as nurses, have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 epidemic, where you may have been exposed to horrific events that could have long-term effects on your mental health.

 But how do you separate your experience from the whole and find closure? 

In this segment, we discuss how the "Wounded Healer Theory" can assist nurses in dealing with the psychological fallout of the pandemic.

 Explore the value of talking to a professional, finding meaning in traumatic experiences, and facing our pasts head-on. 

This episode is essential listening for any nurses experiencing emotional distress due to the pandemic. 

Let's begin our recovery process now, So press play and start healing together... If you're a nurse struggling to cope with the trauma of the pandemic, this episode is a must-listen. 

Transcript

Intro
To say it’s been a crazy few years would be an understatement. We live in an ever changing world, one constantly challenging people to their very core. It is because of this we aim to create assuredness in an uncertain world. 

Welcome to the Project ReNew podcast, a show for nurses - and angels looking to help nurses - and anyone in search of motivation. Let’s bring you and your passion back to where you were when you first started out. Let’s reignite that fire together.

 This is the Project ReNew Podcast.


The Problem No matter what your experience as a nurse, we can all collectively agree that the covid-19 pandemic was traumatizing for our Healthcare professional Heroes.

 You may reflect on your own pandemic experience, and try to be brave and say “Oh me, it wasn't that bad for me”, but please know that you do not have to be so strong.

 As nurses, we are expected to remain emotionally resilient, and have nerves of Steel in the face of traumatic situations that would completely destroy the lives of other people.

But it is important to recognise that we are human - although we are doing the work of Angels, you still have emotions, and we are still perfectly entitled to support you in dealing with these difficult and complicated situations. You do not have to suffer in silence.

 The Explanation Sometimes, it can be easier to try and put your horrific memories in a box in your mind, tuck it away nice and neat, and try to never see, think, or feel it again.

This may be especially true if the pandemic was so traumatic that it caused you to leave the profession - which is a reality that many nurses, or ex-nurses, are now experiencing.

At first, this feels much safer-this is a natural response of your brain trying to protect you from reliving the pain and trauma of your past. What a smart brain, hey?

Actually, we know that not addressing our press to psychological trauma head on, under the nurture and care of a licensed therapist, will actually do a small mental damage in the long run.

 A theorist in 2002 called Conti-O-Hare Developed a theory about nurses called the Wounded Healer Theory, based on the work of Jung and Fordham.

This theory identifies that experiencing professional trauma, such as traumatic situations in your nursing environment, coupled with ineffective coping strategies- such as repressing the memories, or binge eating - leads to increased emotional pain and susceptibility to mental health issues in the long-term. This theory identifies that if a nurse goes through this complex situation and does not seek adequate professional support, they become “walking wounded” - because you are walking around with a heavy burden laid on your shoulders, therefore your emotional threshold is lower, making you more likely to overreact in situations that normally wouldn't have triggered you before.

 You become a slave to your past trauma, unable to escape the consequences of this horrific memory.. The Solution So, how can you isolate the traumatic experience you went through as a nurse on the Frontline during covid-19 pandemic? Here is the solution: you can't.

 As a Healthcare professional, you yourself know that by repressing the memories of the pandemic, and not addressing the traumatic and complicated feelings you experienced during this bleak period of time, you actually risk doing yourself more damage and increasing the likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder.

The solution in reality is to work with a licensed, nurturing, mental health professional. Someone who you can form a professional relationship with - someone that has a listening ear to how you feel about your experiences during the pandemic.

 Working carefully with a licensed mental health  professional can help you to unpack those complicated feelings and Memories in a safe space.

 Although it may seem daunting going to a session like this, it will reduce your likelihood of developing panic disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms such as flashbacks.

A bubble, it will liberate you to live a life Without Fear iPhone fear that you are going to experience something that takes you back to the dark days of the pandemic.

 

 Above all,, it will liberate you to live a life without fear - fear that you are going to experience something that takes you back to the dark days of the pandemic.

 In the theory of the Wounded Healer, Conti identifies it is important to find spiritual meaning in the trauma. Whatever spirituality means to you - whether that's God, the universe, fate, your life purpose, It is really important to find meaning in your pain.

This can be very difficult, especially if you are still feeling angry and wanting to blame the world for causing a pandemic. However, until you practice forgiveness on yourself, and appreciate the resilience that the pandemic has built within you, you will never be able to move forward carrying this burden.

 

 A Question to Consider What are you currently hiding in a tiny little box in your mind? What deep dark memory is tucked away inside?

 You may think that you have squashed them down, but really they are coiled and ready to spring, waiting for a moment where you are vulnerable, stressed, tired, exhausted.. When you are at your weakest, they will launch out to the forefront of your brain and assault you - that is, unless you decide to do the work, and tackle these horrific memories head first.

 Sometimes the shortest road to recovery is the most painful. If you don’t face your problems, you are only prolonging your path to recovery, and making it a more painful, longer Road in the long run. Sources For Help and Advice

 

 https://rcni.com/nursing-standard/careers/career-advice/burnout-nurses-coping-trauma-an d-when-to-seek-help-188966 https://online.regiscollege.edu/blog/childhood-trauma-in-adults/ https://fherehab.com/learning/nurse-psychological-trauma

Outro
We really hope you enjoyed this episode of the Project ReNew Podcast. Stay connected with us through www.ProjectReNew.Co. You can also join this discussion on Twitter @ProjectReNewPod, and on Instagram at @ProjectReNewPodcast. If you would like to speak with us, please send us an email through our website. As always, thank you for pushing your mindset and your heart towards a better reality. This concludes the most thought-provoking part of your day. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to stay fully up to date. Until next time, be kind to yourself, and to
each other.

 As a fellow nurse, I want to take a moment to express my appreciation for each and every one of our listeners. 

As nurses, we are all part of an essential and noble profession, and our dedication and hard work make a real difference in the lives of our patients. 

As Brené Brown says, ' Resilience is the ability to move through difficult experiences and to come out on the other side with wisdom and compassion.' 

Our podcast is dedicated to exploring resilience from trauma and the pandemic, providing practical advice and reviews of symptoms to help our listeners navigate these challenging times.

It's important to note that the information provided in our podcast is for educational and informational purposes only.

 The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

 Always seek the advice of your physician, other qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.

 As a colleague, I encourage you to continue to listen to our podcast, engage with the content, and use it to enhance your nursing practice and further your professional and personal growth."