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PTSD an issue for people working with homeless

Red Deer Advocate - 3/28/2019

People working with Red Deer's homeless are more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder than police, firefighters or ambulance drivers, according to a new study by the University of Calgary's faculty of social work.

The study, recently published in the international Community Mental Health Journal, reported that 33 per cent of homeless shelter employees experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Meanwhile, statistics show the rate for other workers who routinely witness traumatic events was 10 to 14 per cent.

The study says, "Unlike emergency workers who experience traumatic incidents, and usually do not have a prior relationship with victims, and have their exposure limited to short time intervals, frontline workers interact with clients experiencing trauma in helping relationships over extended periods of time."

Byron Bradley, Central Alberta managing director with The Mustard Seed, said he was not surprised that people on the front line working with the most vulnerable face high levels of stress. He has seen throughout his career a number of people in the industry come and go.

"When you're trying to care for people who are often without hope, and lots of despair in their life, it's very draining," Bradley said.

"Even if you are doing all the right things and checking all the boxes, you're still prone to being touched by mental health struggles, so you have to do all you can to be active and care for your mental health."

He said just like a physical injury, workers need rest and can't push themselves when it comes to their mental health, and they have to be open and honest with those they work with.

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The U of C study, conducted with Calgary and Edmonton homeless agencies, found working with clients with trauma-related issues creates a "constellation of issues" for front-line staff, including vicarious traumatization, compassion fatigue and burnout.

Among the 472 respondents from 23 agencies, 24 per cent experienced burnout and vicarious traumatization at sufficiently elevated levels to suggest they should step back from their present responsibilities.

Bradley said The Mustard Seed has a very comprehensive compensation package and managers check in with staff to make sure they are using their benefits. Being supportive of employees is crucial in this industry, he said.

"It's important to work hard, but it's also important to rest hard and to break ourselves off from the workplace."