Support for staff impacted by conflict or refugee crises
We are aware that our health and social care staff may be experiencing distress as a result of the war in Ukraine. We know that it may be felt particularly acutely by staff from this region, as well as by any staff member with lived experience of trauma, in particular those of our staff who have lived through war and/or had to flee their home countries.
Keeping Well NCL is available to support staff members who feel they would benefit from a supportive space to share the impact on themselves, or to consider how they might best support affected colleagues. Please contact us on keepingwellncl@tavi-port.nhs.uk and a practitioner will arrange a time to speak with you.
For managers who are seeking to support their staff, our Wellbeing Conversations page contains guidance on having or starting conversations with staff about their wellbeing.
Practical advice for coping with emerging trauma responses
Stressful situations, such as the pandemic, armed conflict or refugee crises, and other reminders of upsetting memories can all contribute to PTSD symptoms re-emerging. These can be difficult to experience, but there are things you can do to cope.
This easy-to-read infographic developed by the Traumatic Stress Clinic covers key symptoms and summarises things you can do to cope.
People often experience sleep problems and have nightmares after traumatic experiences. Nightmares
can be similar to flashbacks and are often caused by being reminded of the traumatic events either during the day or at night.
This easy-to-read infographic developed by the Traumatic Stress Clinic summarises key things you can do to cope with nightmares and get a more restful night sleep.
Anger is a normal emotion and can arise from feeling threatened, experiencing injustice or mistreatment. It is often helpful, but there are also times when anger can cause problems; it can affect our relationships, and sometimes lead to other people being harmed. There are things you can do to cope.
This easy-to-read infographic developed by the Traumatic Stress Clinic covers practical advice for coping with feelings of anger or irritability.
Grounding techniques use the five senses to connect you with the present and move your attention away from what’s going on in your mind. You can use them when you feel overwhelmed by thoughts and feelings.
This easy-to-read infographic from the Traumatic Stress Clinic guides you through practical advice on how to use grounding techniques to cope when you feel overwhelmed.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or being reminded of something difficult, it can be helpful to imagine a ‘safe place’ which gives you a feeling of calm and safety. You can also practice a Lotus Flower meditation to help you relax.
This easy-to-read infographic developed by the Traumatic Stress Clinic guides you through using a ‘safe place’ or Lotus Flower meditation as a practical way to cope with difficult feelings.
Controlled breathing, also called square breathing, can be helpful when feeling stressed, as it helps to
slow the breathing down.
This easy-to-read infographic from the Traumatic Stress Clinic guides you through practical steps to to control your breathing to help you cope when you feel stressed.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has also written a message to all Ukrainian health and care staff in the UK, which also includes links to further existing staff mental health support offers for NHS and social care staff. You can read the letter here.
