The helpers in disaster and catastrophes are trying to solve problems sometimes too overwhelming. They are also just human beings, and although they haven`t went through those catastrophes by themselves, they have to cope with lots of horrible stories and impressions. That of course leaves marks on them, and sometimes they also develop severe psychological problems. Here we have collected a selection of articles high lightening some of these topics.
Compassion Fatigue, Secondary PTSD, Vicarious PTSD, Differences – You tube video
In this webcast Frank Ochberg explains the differences between Compassion Fatigue, Secondary PTSD, burn out, and Caregiver Burden.
Helping the Helpers: Compassion Satisfaction and Compassion Fatigue in Self-Care, Management, and Policy of Suicide Prevention Hotlines
Henson 2018
The results of this study imply that supervisors and agencies can impact the amount of self-care their staff participate in, potentially resulting in staff who have higher levels of compassion satisfaction and lower levels of burnout or secondary traumatic stress.
The Importance of Helping the Helper
Roger Friedman, in Trauma and Child Welfare, 2002
The article provides with an overview over the problems and psychological consequences helpers are facing, by taking care of clients in very difficult and almost catastrophic situations, with focus on social workers in Child Welfare. –