Secondary Trauma

     Secondary traumatic stress is like the unwanted guest at a pity party, sneaking into your emotional well-being when you least expect it. It's the emotional toll that hits you when you hear about the harrowing experiences of others, and it's a mimicry artist that can make you feel like you've got a front-row ticket to the PTSD show.

     Fellow educators, fellow human beings, allow me to share a tale of self-care and the relentless beast known as secondary trauma. In my dual role as a dean of students and innovation coach, I've heard more stories than a seasoned therapist at a group therapy session. From supporting kids through police reports to escorting them away from the looming shadows of gang violence, I've seen it all – and it's far from the rainbows and unicorns world we wish for.

     These stories, laden with heartache and danger, started to chip away at my emotional armor. At home, I'd find myself giving my wife the cold shoulder or plunging into a spiral of despair. It's the type of experience that feels like trying to juggle chainsaws while walking on a tightrope made of spaghetti.

     The breaking point for me? Witnessing students pass away, grappling with abusive family members, navigating the treacherous waters of gang violence, and confronting parental aggression. There's only so much a person can bear. It's like wanting to unleash your inner "Kindergarten Cop" on the world, but alas, reality slaps you in the face. The red tape, oh, the red tape. You have to keep your superhero cape in the closet and play by the administrative rules.

     That's why I urge you, dear colleagues, to check if your school offers psychological services. It's like hitting the "reset" button for your soul. It helps you deal with those intrusive thoughts that pop up after dealing with the dark underbelly of humanity. You know, those moments when you wish you could hand out some much-needed justice. But alas, we're stuck in a bureaucratic maze where we have to keep our capes tucked in.

     So, see a therapist and keep your sanity intact. It's the lifeline you need to navigate the minefield of secondary trauma, and it's your golden ticket to not just surviving but thriving in the world of education.