@IamDrMojo Vicarious trauma is a major component of the teaching experience today. Children come to school now with so many issues from outside the school and teachers are expected to teach them. There are times when no teaching takes place in my classroom but conversations about things that are bothering them happen instead. In teacher education programs, we learn how to differentiate lessons, provide opportunities for growth, and work to make our students successful. However, no one talks about the fact that we have to deal with hungry kids, kids who are tired because they have worked all night, kids who are dealing with abusive relatives, kids who are angry, or kids who have kids themselves.
Teachers have no training to deal with trauma but it is like most teachers to try and be there for the students. We absorb all of the hurt, the anger and the feelings of hopelessness. In turn, we feel those same things because, for some of our students, there is nothing we can do to truly help them. Yes, we can refer them to an overworked guidance counselor, who has a ton of other duties. We can sometimes refer them to mental health services, if it’s available, but often the parents refuse to sign permission for the child to participate, citing ‘I don’t want them folks knowing my business.’ It takes a toll on you mentally because you can’t help but be concerned. I’m fortunate because my district does include 6 free mental health sessions with a local counseling firm and additional sessions are covered by insurance but all teachers don’t have access to those types of services. Being exposed to vicarious trauma daily breaks down your spirit and, for some, propels their leaving of the profession.
Teachers have no training to deal with trauma but it is like most teachers to try and be there for the students. We absorb all of the hurt, the anger and the feelings of hopelessness. In turn, we feel those same things because, for some of our students, there is nothing we can do to truly help them. Yes, we can refer them to an overworked guidance counselor, who has a ton of other duties. We can sometimes refer them to mental health services, if it’s available, but often the parents refuse to sign permission for the child to participate, citing ‘I don’t want them folks knowing my business.’ It takes a toll on you mentally because you can’t help but be concerned. I’m fortunate because my district does include 6 free mental health sessions with a local counseling firm and additional sessions are covered by insurance but all teachers don’t have access to those types of services. Being exposed to vicarious trauma daily breaks down your spirit and, for some, propels their leaving of the profession.