Supporting a child or young person following a disclosure of suicide is a highly emotive and stressful situation. Staff who find themselves in this situation could be at risk of secondary trauma or vicarious trauma which can occur as a result of exposure to traumatic stories or experiences of others[22]. Vicarious trauma is not the same as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but the symptoms can be similar[23]:

  • Becoming overly involved emotionally with the young person
  • Experiencing bystander guilt, shame, feelings of self-doubt
  • Being preoccupied with thoughts of the young person outside of the work situation
  • Over identification with the young person
  • Loss of hope, pessimism, cynicism
  • Distancing, numbing, detachment, cutting people off, staying busy. Avoiding listening to young people’s story of traumatic experiences
  • Difficulty in maintaining professional boundaries with the young person, such as overextending self (trying to do more than is in the role to help them).

As well as supporting the young person, you may need to consider appropriate and necessary support for yourself and other staff involved. This can be either: informal, such as peer support from colleagues; processes, such as building in debrief meetings; or more formal support through supervision. 

Supervision provides a structured environment where practitioners can reflect on their work, receive guidance, and ensure they are meeting professional standards and safeguarding protocols. It can be very helpful in supporting practitioners with the decision-making process. Supervision allows for the review and oversight of cases to ensure that all necessary steps are being taken to protect the child. Supervisors can help assess the level of risk to the child, ensuring that all aspects of the child’s situation are considered and addressed appropriately.

If you feel you may be suffering from vicarious trauma, try following these coping strategies to reduce the risks[24]:

  • Increase your self-observation: recognise and chart your signs of stress, vicarious trauma and burnout
  • Take care of yourself emotionally: engage in relaxing and self-soothing activities, nurture self-care
  • Look after your physical and mental wellbeing
  • Maintain a healthy work/life balance, have outside interests
  • Be realistic about what you can accomplish, avoid wishful thinking
  • Don't take on responsibility for the wellbeing of others
  • Balance your caseload where possible with a mix of more and less complex young people to support
  • Take regular breaks, take time off when you need to
  • Seek social support from colleagues and family members
  • Use a buddy system, particularly important for less experienced members of staff
  • Use peer support and opportunities to debrief
  • Take up training opportunities
  • If you need it, take up time-limited group or individual therapy

Support is available for the range of emotions and feelings you may experience. For further information visit https://www.nhsfife.org/suicideprevention/

If you require further support, please speak to your GP.