Written by: Stephanie Collinson, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As a previous healthcare professional working with vulnerable clients and my continued education around the impact of trauma. I feel as online business owners we should recognise and understand how we can approach this topic and continue to break the stigma around the impacts of trauma. Implementing trauma informed practices in the workplace and online businesses could potentially improve team morale and better relationships between team members and managers, leading to more honest and open conversations around mental health.
1. What does it mean?
Trauma is often associated with more disturbing events such as natural disasters, war, bodily threatening events. But trauma can still be caused by smaller overwhelming events that may not be as pronounced. It all starts with taking the time to be trauma aware and understand people are more than just a diagnosis. A lack of education, understanding, and awareness contributes to continued stigma around mental and emotional health so I believe if we strived to become more trauma aware at least within our businesses and personal life it will create. To be trauma-informed is about supporting people to feel safe enough in their interactions with services to build trust, and to help people overcome any barriers to an effective helping relationship. Becoming trauma-informed is an ongoing process that everyone can grow and learn from.
2. How could it benefit the team?
Having open regular discussions in safe spaces around the impact of trauma and how this shows us for different people may help communication and team building. Opening up conversations and beginning to understand each other in a non-judgemental way. Often people feel they can’t fully express their views and opinions as they fear judgement. If there was a slightly different approach of how to include and respect others’ points of view it could make for a healthier workplace. We don’t all have to agree but those who have an opposing opinion may not feel excluded and a compromise could be found.
Trauma can manifest itself as people-pleasing and being agreeable so for those who struggle to say no or have healthy boundaries, it could allow them to become more assertive with their own needs. Therefore, it could also mean that those in your team may feel able to approach their manager regarding their mental health, leading to fewer sick days and absences and potentially increased productivity overall.
3. How to incorporate into business?
Confidential spaces, events, and understanding of each team member’s individual preference/needs. I think regularly implementing meetings around the subject of trauma and how it impacts mental health. These meetings could be a variety of sessions for learning, discussions, and even team bonding activities related to also boosting morale and overall mental health. Even inviting in trained mental health professionals/practitioners, psychologists/psychotherapists. There are many at the moment that is offering sessions and workshops to support workplaces in particular to support the ongoing impacts of the pandemic.
Most important ask your team what they feel needs to be improved and changed to allow those conversations and discussions to happen, get their preferences in various ways. Some people may feel more comfortable writing down how they are feeling and what could help them, make the trauma-informed practices accessible to all, give people choice around participating.
4. What resources are out there?
There are a variety of resources out there to support your workplace/business to begin to implement trauma-informed practices. See the list below for some ideas on how to get started.
What is trauma? | Mind, the mental health charity – help for mental health problems
Downloadable resources – Mental Health UK (mentalhealth-uk.org)
10 Resources for How to Teach Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness (mindfulnessexercises.com)
Dr. Nicole LePera (@the.holistic.psychologist) • Instagram photos and videos
Stephanie Carinia (@psychologiststephanie) • Instagram photos and videos
Empower your team and clients by showing that as a business you are forward-thinking and want to change outdated approaches to mental health and trauma.
Stephanie Collinson, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Steph Collinson is an occupational therapist, virtual assistant, and holistic mentor. After working in the NHS as an occupational therapist and struggling to manage her long-term condition of IBS. Steph decided to start a side hustle in August 2020 after discovering a course online which promised time and financial freedom. Steph has successfully begun to work for herself less than a year since starting up her business to pursue a life she is passionate about and is meaningful to her.
Steph now helps mentors and allied health professionals in the online space get visible, create inspiring content and connect with their ideal clients. She also has her own podcast called The Meaningful Mentor, which discusses the daily impact and challenges of living with long-term health conditions and provides helpful tips and insights to her listeners. Steph's mission is to support those with long-term conditions to live a more meaningful life daily while running their online businesses.
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