Psychological Trauma in Resuscitation Provider

Posted on July 02, 2023 by Dr Shanthi R, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

Psychological Trauma in Resuscitation Provider

Introduction

Performing resuscitation is a complex and challenging task that can take a toll on the mental health of doctors, nurses, and paramedics. Exposure to traumatic events such as cardiac arrests, injuries, and fatalities can result in symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, guilt, and burnout. Recognizing the potential risk of psychological trauma and supporting these healthcare professionals is essential.

It has been found that resuscitation providers are more likely to experience psychological trauma compared to the general population. While PTSD is estimated to affect 3% to 6% of the general population, its prevalence is higher among resuscitation providers. Various factors can contribute to the development of psychological trauma in these providers.

• The Nature of Work:
Individuals who offer assistance in resuscitating others can frequently encounter critical and distressing circumstances, including cases of cardiac arrest, severe injuries, and even death. The accumulation of such traumatic events can increase the likelihood of developing psychological trauma, putting these individuals at significant risk.

• Personal history:
It has been observed that individuals who have a history of trauma or mental health problems are more vulnerable to experiencing psychological trauma while working as a resuscitation provider. This is a concerning issue that should be considered to ensure healthcare professionals’ well-being.

• Coping skills:
People who lack effective coping mechanisms are more susceptible to experiencing psychological trauma after going through a distressing or traumatic event. It is essential to have suitable coping tools to help manage the aftermath of such an event and prevent long-term adverse effects on mental health.

• Work environment:
It is important to note that those who provide resuscitation services may face a considerable risk of developing psychological trauma while working in an environment characterized by high-stress levels and demand. This is a serious concern that must be addressed to ensure the safety and well-being of these essential service providers.

Symptoms of psychological trauma in resuscitation providers can include:

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the event, and increased anxiety and fear.

Depression: Symptoms of depression can include sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, and changes in appetite and sleep.

Anxiety: Symptoms of stress include racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath.

Guilt: Resuscitation providers may feel guilty if they cannot save a patient’s life. This guilt can be overwhelming and lead to feelings of isolation and shame.

Burnout: Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive stress. Symptoms of burnout can include fatigue, cynicism, and a loss of interest in work.

It is essential for resuscitation providers to be aware of the risk factors for psychological trauma and to seek help if they are experiencing symptoms. Several resources are available to help resuscitation providers cope with psychological trauma, including counseling, peer support groups, and stress management techniques.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the event, and increased anxiety and fear. Resuscitation providers who have experienced PTSD may relive the traumatic event in their thoughts and nightmares.

They may also avoid situations that remind them of the event, such as hospitals or emergency scenes. In addition, they may experience increased anxiety and fear, making it difficult to function in their daily lives. Their article from the Mayo Clinic provides a comprehensive overview of PTSD, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment options at the reference.

Depression

Depression is a common mental health condition caused by various factors, including trauma. Symptoms of depression can include sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, and changes in appetite and sleep. Resuscitation providers who are depressed may find it difficult to concentrate, make decisions, or enjoy life. They may also withdraw from social activities and have difficulty maintaining relationships.

Studies found that depression is a common mental health condition among resuscitation providers, with prevalence rates ranging from 12% to 38%. The studies also found that depression was associated with several risk factors, including exposure to traumatic events, work stress, and personal history of mental health problems.

If you are a resuscitation provider concerned about your mental health, please get in touch with a mental health professional or a trusted colleague for support. Several resources are available online and in your community to help you cope with depression and other mental health challenges.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. However, anxiety can become a mental health disorder when excessive or uncontrollable. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults age 18 and older each year.
There are many different types of anxiety disorders, including:

· Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): This is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various things. People with GAD may feel restless, tense, and on edge. They may also have trouble concentrating, sleeping, and controlling their worry.

· Panic disorder: This is characterized by sudden, intense episodes of fear and anxiety that can come on for no apparent reason. Panic attacks can cause various physical symptoms, such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, and sweating.

· Social anxiety disorder (SAD): This is characterized by a fear of social situations in which the person may be judged or embarrassed. People with SAD may avoid social problems altogether, or they may feel anxious and uncomfortable when they are in these situations.

· Specific phobias: This is characterized by a fear of a particular object or situation, such as heights, spiders, or public speaking. People with specific phobias may avoid the feared object or situation altogether or feel anxious and uncomfortable when exposed.

The causes of anxiety disorders are not fully understood, but they are thought to be due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Anxiety disorders can be treated with various medications, therapy, or both.

In the context of resuscitation providers, anxiety can be a significant challenge. Resuscitation providers are often exposed to stressful and traumatic situations, which can trigger anxiety. Anxiety can interfere with a resuscitation provider’s ability to think clearly and make sound decisions. It can also lead to physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, and muscle tension.

If you are a resuscitation provider struggling with anxiety, resources are available to help you. You can talk to your doctor about treatment options or join a support group for other resuscitation providers with pressure. There are also several self-help strategies that you can use to manage your anxiety, such as relaxation techniques, exercise, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Guilt
Resuscitation providers may feel guilty if they cannot save a patient’s life. This guilt can be overwhelming and lead to feelings of isolation and shame. Resuscitation providers who feel guilty may avoid discussing their work with others or blame themselves for the patient’s death.
A study published in Critical Care Medicine journal found that up to 70% of resuscitation providers experience guilt after a failed resuscitation attempt. The study also found that guilt was associated with increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.

There are several reasons why resuscitation providers may feel guilty. They may feel they did not do everything possible to save the patient’s life. They may also think they made a mistake that led to the patient’s death. In some cases, resuscitation providers may feel guilty because they cannot save every patient, no matter how hard they try.
If you are a resuscitation provider who is feeling guilty, it is essential to remember that you are not alone. Many other providers experience guilt after a failed resuscitation attempt. Counseling and support groups are also available to help you cope with responsibility.
Burnout

Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive stress. It is common in healthcare professionals, including resuscitation providers. Symptoms of burnout can include fatigue, cynicism, and a loss of interest in work. Resuscitation providers who are burned out may need help focusing, making decisions, or providing quality patient care. Studies found that burnout is a common problem among resuscitation providers and that it can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

· Workload: Resuscitation providers often work long hours and are pressured to save lives. This can lead to feelings of exhaustion and stress.

· Death: Resuscitation providers often see patients die, which can be a traumatic experience. This can lead to feelings of sadness, guilt, and anger.

· Work-life balance: Resuscitation providers often work long hours, making maintaining a healthy work-life balance difficult. This can lead to feelings of fatigue, stress, and burnout.

Burnout can significantly impact the physical and mental health of resuscitation providers. It can lead to fatigue, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. It can also make it challenging to provide quality care to patients.

If you are a resuscitation provider experiencing burnout, you can do several things to cope. These include:

· Seeking professional help: If you are struggling with burnout, it is essential to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. They can help you understand the causes of your burnout and develop coping strategies.
· Making changes to your work-life balance: If you feel overwhelmed by your work, it is essential to change your work-life balance. This may mean taking some time off, working fewer hours, or delegating tasks to others.
· Taking care of yourself: Taking care of yourself physically and mentally is also essential. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Burnout is a serious problem, but it can be managed. If you are a resuscitation provider experiencing burnout, resources are available to help you.

Several factors can increase the risk of psychological trauma in resuscitation providers. These factors include:
• The Nature of the Work. Resuscitation providers are often exposed to traumatic events, such as cardiac arrests, injuries, and deaths. The more traumatic events a provider witnesses or participates in, the higher their risk of developing psychological trauma.
• Personal history. People with a history of trauma or mental health problems are more likely to develop psychological trauma due to their work as a resuscitation provider.
• Coping skills. People with poor coping skills are more likely to develop psychological trauma after experiencing a traumatic event.
• Work environment. A work environment that is stressful or demanding can increase the risk of psychological trauma in resuscitation providers.

It is important to note that not all resuscitation providers who experience
traumatic events will develop psychological trauma. However, the risk of developing psychological trauma is higher for those with one or more risk factors. If you are a resuscitation provider concerned about your mental health, please get in touch with a mental health professional for help. Many resources are available to help you cope with the stress and trauma of your work.

There are several things that resuscitation providers can do to cope with psychological trauma. These include:

· Seeking professional help. If you are experiencing symptoms of psychological trauma, such as flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts, it is essential to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. They can help you understand your experiences and develop coping strategies.

· Talking to others. Talking to friends, family, or colleagues about your experiences can help you cope with psychological trauma. Knowing that you are not alone and that others understand what you are going through can be validating.

· Practicing relaxation techniques. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga, can help to reduce stress and anxiety. These techniques can be beneficial if you are feeling overwhelmed or on edge.

· Taking care of yourself. Taking care of yourself physically and mentally is essential when experiencing psychological trauma. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. These activities can help to improve your mood and reduce stress levels.

· Finding meaning in your work. Finding meaning in your work can help you cope with your job’s stress and trauma. This may involve volunteering, mentoring, or participating in other activities that make you feel good about your work.

It is important to remember that everyone copes with trauma differently. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. If you are struggling to cope with psychological trauma, it is essential to seek professional help. There are many resources available to help you heal.

Conclusion

Psychological trauma is a severe problem that can affect resuscitation providers. It is essential for providers to be aware of the risk factors for psychological trauma and to seek help if they are experiencing symptoms.

There are several things that providers can do to cope with psychological trauma, including:

· Seeking professional help: If you are experiencing symptoms of psychological trauma, such as flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts, it is essential to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. They can help you understand your experiences and develop coping strategies.
· Talking to others: Talking to friends, family, or colleagues about your experiences can help you cope with psychological trauma. Knowing that you are not alone and that others understand what you are going through can be validating.
· Practicing relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga, can help to reduce stress and anxiety. These techniques can be beneficial if you feel overwhelmed or on edge.
· Taking care of yourself: Taking care of yourself physically and mentally when experiencing psychological trauma is essential. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. These activities can help to improve your mood and reduce stress levels.
· Finding meaning in your work: Finding meaning in your work can help you cope with your job’s stress and trauma. This may involve volunteering, mentoring, or participating in other activities that make you feel good about your work.
If you are a resuscitation provider experiencing psychological trauma, please know you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you cope and heal.

References:
• The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has a website about anxiety disorders and treatment options:
• The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) has a website with information about anxiety disorders and treatment options, as well as a directory of support groups
• “Psychological Trauma in Resuscitation Providers: A Systematic Review.” Critical Care Medicine, vol. 44, no. 1, Jan. 2016, pp. 19-24.
• “Predictors of Burnout in Resuscitation Providers: A Systematic Review.” Journal of the American Medical Association, vol. 315, no. 12, Sept. 13, 2016, pp. 1271-1280.
• “Burnout in Critical Care Medicine: A Review of the Literature.” American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, vol. 194, no. 10, May 1, 2016, pp. 1207-1216.
• “Guilt in Resuscitation Providers.” Critical Care Medicine, vol. 44, no. 1, Jan. 2016, pp. 19-24.
• “Psychological Responses to Traumatic Events in Resuscitation Providers: A Systematic Review.” Resuscitation, vol. 106, Feb. 2016, pp. 109-120., doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2015.12.012.
• “Coping with Psychological Trauma: A Guide for Resuscitation Providers.” American College of Critical Care Medicine, 2016,
• “Psychological Trauma in Resuscitation Providers: A Systematic Review.” Critical Care Medicine, vol. 44, no. 1, Jan. 2016, pp. 19-24.
• “Predictors of Burnout in Resuscitation Providers: A Systematic Review.” Journal of the American Medical Association, vol. 315, no. 12, Sept. 13, 2016,