The primary treatment for those volunteers who are experiencing vicarious traumatization is to temporarily have them refrain from the volunteer activities that precipitated the condition. It may be very difficult to help volunteers acknowledge that they are experiencing vicarious traumatization, but it’s essential that their supervisor and/or colleagues help them recognize what’s going on.
If they continue to volunteer, their effectiveness will likely be compromised as will their future ability to help. Burnout is the inevitable outcome of unrelieved vicarious traumatization. Once volunteers have reached that point, they will be unable to be helpful and they greatly increase the risk to themselves of physical and/or emotional disorders.
If vicarious traumatization is caught early, a brief break involving rest and recreation may be all that’s needed. If it has been allowed to progress, a longer period of recovery will likely be needed. During that time it will be important for the volunteers to address any of the unhealthy coping mechanisms they may have been utilizing. Treatment for substance abuse may be necessary.
A complete physical examination might well be called for to catch any physiological consequences of vicarious traumatization. Medication for anxiety and/or depression might be called for. Learning to spend time each day in activities geared toward physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual renewal can be helpful.
Eating and sleeping should be regulated before returning to volunteer activities. It might be possible to begin slowly, perhaps in areas not directly involved with people who are currently experiencing pain and distress. This can give the volunteers a sense of being helpful without compromising their well-being.
Being a volunteer can be an immensely rewarding endeavor. It’s essential that it not become a dangerous one as well.
Hope Makes Healing Possible!
Patricia Sherman, Ph.D., LCSW
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