Figley Institute's Picks of the Week: Compassion Stress (2012-4)

The Importance of Self-Care Buddies

I am a strong advocate of the self-care planning process, which is outlined in the Standards of Self-Care developed by international experts in the topics of traumatic stress and compassion fatigue (Green Cross Academy of Traumatology). Self-Care strategies include regularly monitoring progress; and meeting regularly with your self-care buddy to discuss successes, challenges, and ways to overcome challenges. As a self-care buddy, you may learn about strategies which will help your buddy move past a challenge. A multi-pronged approach to good self-care might include information such as that provided in the section below:  The Importance of Counterbalancing Stress.

Buddy Check - How are You Doing?

It's almost the end of January, the first day of the month in which some of you started your New Year's Resolutions.  In my first blog of the year I offered a link to to Four Things to Strive for in 2012 (do you remember them?); and offered a fifth: Be gentle with yourself! 

In keeping with the concept of self-care buddies, I'm checking in with you. Are you satisfied with your progress? What are your successes and challenges?  Your feedback will inspire future blogs.  I'm serious! Write to me at krf@figleyinstitute.com with your stories.


The Importance of Counterbalancing Stress

Those of you who have followed my work know that I frequently quote Dr. John Wilson from the video "When Helping Hurts: Sustaining Trauma Workers".  Dr. Wilson states: "It's important to counterbalance the intensity of the work you do." At the Gift from Within website you will find this video and others, along with brief (FREE) video excerpts, such as "What is Compassion Fatigue?"  If you are interested in reading more, Gift from Within has posted a dozen FREE articles about Compassion Fatigue by leading experts in the field.

This morning I finished writing "Counterbalancing Stress", the first of my promised six entries for the Encyclopedia of Trauma, due to be published in September. In this entry I highlight four strategies for inducing the relaxation response:  breath work, meditation, progressive relaxation and visualization/guided imagery.  Regardless of whether stress is primary or secondary, these strategies are effective when practiced regularly.  You can read more about them in one of my favorite resources: The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook. One or more of these strategies may fit nicely into your self-care plan or that of your buddy.


A Note of Gratitude

Expressing gratitude is an element of good self-care. Many of you signed up for Figley Institute's Compassion Fatigue Educator course.  I'm delighted about this for two reasons: 1) most important, you understand that compassion stress is a real phenomena and are taking steps to address it at a personal level; and 2) some of you are instituting organizational change which translates to healthier work environments for those who work with people who are suffering. To you I express my deepest gratitude. 

PS  Sign up for the Compassion Fatigue Educator course by January 31 to receive this months' special rate.  Enter promo code govt.  

Figley Institute's Picks of the Week: Workplace Violence (2012-3)

This past Friday there was a critical incident at Mondo, one of our neighborhood restaurants (see Times-Picayune news report)  One employee shot and killed another.  As it turns out, the two had familial ties: the incident related to family issues.  As was later reported, a New Orleans Police Chaplain was brought in to attend to the needs of the restaurant employees. The question arises: Is there something that could have been done to prevent this tragedy?  While it is not my place to evaluate the Mondo critical incident, I feel a responsibility to promote education about Workplace Violence. The resources listed below are FREE.

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Workplace Violence Basics

Go to the OSHA website for a Workplace Violence Fact Sheet.

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In-Depth Information

For more in-depth information, the freely available USDA Handbook on Workplace Violence Prevention and Response includes these chapters: 

1. What is Workplace Violence?
2. Responsibilities
3. Prevention of Workplace Violence
4. Identifying Potentially Violent Situations
5. Responding to Violent Incidents
6. Disclosure of Information
7. Resources

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OnLine Training - FREE

FEMA offers a one (1) hour online course "Workplace Violence Awareness Training 2011".

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Inspired by New Year focus on good self care Figley Institute is offering a  

Special rate of $129 for the month of January 

Compassion Fatigue Educator Certification Online 8 hour Course 

Developed and Delivered by the Drs. Figley.
Start your New Year off with a

 clear plan for personal and professional resilience!

Click here to register now! http://bit.ly/tWZdWh

Enter promotion code: govt

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Follow Figley Institute on
Facebook: Figley Institute; Care for the Caregiver
Twitter: http://twitter.com/figleyinstitute
Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/in/figleyinstitute 

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Mission: To alleviate human suffering which results from traumatic life experiences by providing laypersons and professionals with high quality traumatologist training.

Figley Institute's Picks of the Week (2012-2)

If you have seen the news lately, you know that an incident is being investigated in which four marines were videoed when behaving in an uncivilized manner.  Social media discourse I've read ranges from those who want them tarred and feathered through those who have been to war and, while not condoning the behavior, understand that war does things to the human soul that those not in war cannot understand.  So, this week is dedicated to understanding our soldiers, the wounds they carry, and the support they need from us.  Click on the title to view.

PTSD (A Tribute to Our Soldiers)   
(http://bit.ly/xIodAL)


by Phillip Sebulsky

A beautifully created and deeply powerful three minute video which depicts the realities of war.

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Back From War, Fear and Danger Fill Driver’s Seat

by James Dao

In this article, James Dao describes the challenges for veterans assimilating into civilian life via something we take for granted: the ability to drive.

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Finding Hope after Head Injury and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder   

by Dr. Angie Panos 

Dr. Angie Panos is a psychologist and a board certified expert in traumatic stress with 25 years of experience and the mother of a daughter who is currently serving in the military. In this article she offer an example of a soldier, then describes symptoms associated with mild traumatic brain injury; and finally offers practical guidance, which includes an excellent list of resources on Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD.

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Operation Harmony

via Soldier's Angels (soldiersangels.org)

Operation Harmony is a partnership with Yamaha Music & Wellness Institute to give American troops the ability and opportunity to heal and thrive through music. The Institute strives to improve quality of life through research, education and programs that focus on active music participation.  Through Operation Harmony, this includes providing guitar and keyboard courses to wounded warriors and supplying instruments to service members on military bases throughout the world. (quoted from their website).

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Inspired by New Year focus on good self care Figley Institute is offering a Special rate of $129 for the month of January 

Compassion Fatigue Educator Certification Online 8 hour Course 

Developed and Delivered by the Drs. Figley.
Start your New Year off with a

 clear plan for personal and professional resilience!

Click here to register now! http://bit.ly/tWZdWh

Enter promotion code: govt

~~~~~~~~~~~


Follow Figley Institute on
Facebook
Twitter: http://twitter.com/figleyinstitute
Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/in/figleyinstitute 

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Mission: To alleviate human suffering which results from traumatic life experiences by providing laypersons and professionals with high quality traumatologist training.

Figley Institute's Picks of the Week (2012-1)

Each week I distribute links to websites, articles, and other resources via social media (Facebook, Twitter, Linked In) which inform readers in the subjects of compassion stress, psychological trauma, services for our military; and/or disaster. In this blog I will highlight weekly my top three choices which will inform readers in the subjects of compassion stress, psychological trauma, and/or disaster. The goal is consistent with Figley Institute's Mission: Helping those who help the traumatized.

Here are my top picks for the first week of the New Year.  I hope you will comment, and share resources which others will find informative and useful.

Power of Mom’s Voice Silenced by Instant Messages

Brandon Keim describes a University of Wisconsin study in which stress hormones were measured and compared among four groups of distressed girls: those who heard their mom's voice; those who spoke with their mom face to face; those who used instant messaging; and those who had no contact with their mom.  Stress hormones decreased in the girls who heard their mom's voice, but did not decrease when using instant messaging or in the control group. This is important when we consider the means by which we offer social support to those who are stressed and/or traumatized.

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Mastering the Anniversary Reaction: Putting Memory to Rest

The Holiday Season is not necessarily fun for all, particularly those who have lost loved ones via tragedy or service to our country; or who have experienced a traumatic event.  Anniversary Reactions may flare up at holiday time: the painful resurgence of memories associated with the trauma and/or loss. Authors Matthew D. Erlich, M.D. and Lloyd I. Sederer, MD describe Anniversary Reaction and offer three strategies: Foresight, Rituals, and People.

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4 Things to Strive for in 2012

One of my favorite phrases for self-care success is "Be gentle with yourself".  Brigettt Meanders offers four gentle ways to start the year off with resolutions that are meaningful and can be life changing: Appreciate what you already have; Be mindful of your actions; Choose love over fear; and Reach for the Stars. And I'll add one more: remember to be self-compassionate! Life is about learning and growing from our mistakes and celebrating our successes. Wishing you the very best in 2012!

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Inspired by New Year focus on good self care Figley Institute is offering a Special rate of $129 for the month of January 

Compassion Fatigue Educator Certification Online 8 hour Course 

Developed and Delivered by the Drs. Figley.
Start your New Year off with a

 clear plan for personal and professional resilience!

Click here to register now! http://bit.ly/tWZdWh

Enter promotion code: govt

~~~~~~~~~~~


Follow Figley Institute on
Facebook
Twitter: http://twitter.com/figleyinstitute
Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/in/figleyinstitute 

~~~~~~~~~~~

Mission: To alleviate human suffering which results from traumatic life experiences by providing laypersons and professionals with high quality traumatologist training.

I Decide!

In this country we have rights and laws which protect us. Among these are the right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure; and protection from unwanted intrusions to our person via laws about battery, assault, sexual battery and sexual assault. Children are protected from pedophiles, and parents teach children about private areas of their body which no one should touch. Yes, these are the rights and laws in our country, UNLESS you are an honorable, tax-paying citizen who wants to travel via air transportation. Then these rights and protections are taken away in the name of homeland security and the fight against terror. Isn’t anyone outraged about this? I am outraged, at two levels: professional and personal.

At the professional level, my outrage is on behalf of any human being, young or old, rich or poor, who has been traumatized physically or sexually, and the combat vets who have lived the traumas of war. Children and adults have a right to the integrity of their person, without violation. Those who have served our country deserve respect.

The invasive current security procedures may serve as trigger events to traumatic experiences in which the person had no control over who violated their body. If my experience is any indicator, asking questions about current procedures when going through security is responded to via a confrontational stance and the threat of an intrusive pat down. A concerned traveler is treated as though a crime is being committed and law enforcement must maintain control of the situation. We are to be compliant victims to the unreasonable invasion of our privacy. This is clearly NOT ok with me.

At a personal level, I found the previous pat down protocol invasive. I am not ok with a stranger seeing through my clothing. I am not ok with a stranger running her hands all over my body. Worse, I am not ok with an invasive pat down with a supervisor present who becomes an observer to the humiliation. I decide who is permitted into my personal space. That is my right.

Why should the American public be subjected to “guilty until proven innocent? policies” I am like many who travel: an honest, law-abiding, tax paying frequent flying citizen who believes in doing the right thing. Why must we prove our innocence time after time when we have already established ourselves through our daily lives as someone who is NOT a terrorist? In this great country with a wealth of creativity and intellect there is surely a means by which the rights of the innocent can be protected. Catching the bad guys is the goal - not terrorizing an elderly woman with a knee replacement who must have her body groped to prove she is not a criminal.

As As a result of my outrage for myself and others, I have created the “I Decide” cause whose goal is to educate the public about their rights as air passengers, and to encourage every agency, association, and organization which deals with traumatized adults and children to protest the current policy.

2. I will walk, drive, take the train, participate in meetings via web based media and explore any other option which will allow me to visit family and perform my work duties without giving up my right to the integrity of my body. Air travel is off limits for me until the policy changes.

I invite you to join the “I DECIDE” campaign. See you on the highway!

How is New Orleans Faring?

August 18, 2009

Times Picayune slide show Video essays exploring the regrowth of Neighborhoods in New Orleans

In post-Katrina New Orleans, the question is asked “How did you fare?” This past Sunday a colleague asked me about New Orleans on my Facebook page:

How much longer until everything is completely normal around there, or has the definition of normal changed for them?

As an outsider to the Katrina disaster environment, having moved here 14 months ago, I wrote my response the next day:

New Orleans is where you'd expect it to be four years after total devastation. Improvements are visible everywhere, as are neglected and stalled projects. According to the post office 76% of area addresses are receiving mail, which means 25% of addresses are still to be inhabited. Some of the uninhabited addresses are empty lots which once housed families.

Has the definition of normal changed? Absolutely. Normal is

• people who still miss their neighbors who have not returned as well as those who have adapted,
• businesses once favored by the locals which are gone as well as new businesses which have taken their place,
• neighborhoods which have not fully returned to pre-Katrina status as well as neighborhoods that appear intact; and
• long-time residents who enjoy the company of people who have moved here post-Katrina.

In my opinion, New Orleans is exciting, vibrant, and sometimes sad and tired. Just wait til the next festival, though, when the fun infects everyone! The jubilant spirit is what New Orleans is all about.

My positive outlook is balanced by recent involvement with the Greater New Orleans Disaster Recovery Partnership (GNODRP) and GNODRP Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (GNODRP VOAD). The GNODRP mission is “to regionally support long term recovery and preparedness”. Long term recovery for some New Orleans’ residents is mired in bureaucracy and financial woe. GNODRP member agencies are addressing these woes.

Through GNODRP and GNODRP VOAD, I have learned of several programs which are on the cutting edge of emergency management policy and practice. These include:

Business Emergency Operating Center (BEOC): The Louisiana BEOC follows New Jersey in the development of a business operations center. (New Jersey published its BEOC Concept Overview in February 2008.) This cutting edge collaboration provides multiple benefits:

• information exchange
• large scale donations management: e.g., tarps, food, water, ice, sandbags,
• fulfillment of mission requests
  
  

Community and Regional Resilience Institute (CARRI): (quoted from their website) CARRI is developing a common framework including processes and tools that communities and regions can use to assess their resilience, determine a resilience vision and take concrete actions that will have positive economic and social results. The framework will be a national framework usable across the country but flexible enough to recognize the great diversity of the United States, its citizens, institutions, governments and organizations.

Case Management: Since my early days in emergency management, I have believed that case management is critical for those who must negotiate the plethora of programs to find their way back to some sense of a normal family life. Three pilot programs are currently underway. I will learn more about each one and share information with you at a later date.

As I learn more, future blogs will go into more detail about GNODRP, GNODRP VOAD, BEOC ,CARRI and case management . If you have knowledge of any of these programs, please share with me through this blog or through Facebook so that we all may learn.

Figley Institute Training Needs Assessment

August 14, 2009

Figley Institute Senior Faculty want to ensure that your most urgent training needs are met. To this end, we are seeking input from people like you who have an interest in disasters - human caused and natural - and trauma. Your participation in the needs assessment is anonymous. Please share your thoughts with us.

Thank you for taking a few minutes of your time to help us continue to provide cutting edge trauma training.

Best regards,

Dr. Kathleen Regan Figley, President

Figley Institute

Direct link to Training Needs Assessment

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=JWzkphqlNHahnhKdnqqO9Q_3d_3d