Self-Care: A Radical Act of Self-Preservation

Author: Aissetu Barry Ibrahima, PhD., LMSW

Introduction:

Audre Lorde’s (1988) powerful words resonate deeply: “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” In a world with incessant demands and relentless expectations, prioritizing self-care is not a luxury; it’s a revolutionary act of reclaiming agency, dignity, and well-being. In this blog, we explore the transformative role of self-care in preventing vicarious trauma, nurturing resilience, and strengthening trauma stewardship.

Self-Care as Prevention Against Vicarious Trauma:

Vicarious trauma, also known as secondary trauma, refers to the emotional and psychological toll that comes from bearing witness to the suffering of others (Branson, 2019). It is a common risk for caregivers, activists, and anyone in roles that involve empathetic engagement with trauma survivors (Lipsky & Burk, 2009).

Self-care serves as a vital protective mechanism against vicarious trauma. By attending to our own well-being, we fortify our emotional resilience and create a buffer against the overwhelming impact of others’ pain (Paiva-Salisbury, & Schwanz, 2022). Regular self-care practices, such as mindfulness, exercise, creative expression, and connecting with supportive communities, replenish our reserves and enhance our capacity to engage empathetically without becoming depleted.

Strengthening Trauma Stewardship Through Self-Care:

Trauma stewardship is rooted in the understanding that caring for others requires caring for oneself. It encompasses a holistic approach to caregiving that acknowledges the interconnectedness of personal well-being, professional effectiveness, and social justice (Lipsky & Burk, 2009, Lorde, 1988). Self-care lies at the heart of trauma stewardship, serving as a cornerstone for sustainable and compassionate caregiving.

Self-care practices not only prevent burnout and compassion fatigue but also deepen our capacity for empathy, presence, and resilience in the face of adversity (Figley, 2013; Lipsky & Burk, 2009). By prioritizing self-care, trauma stewards model healthy boundaries, self-compassion, and holistic well-being – inspiring others to do the same.

References

Branson, D. C. (2019). Vicarious trauma, themes in research, and terminology: A review of literature. Traumatology25(1), 2.

Figley, C. R. (2013). Compassion fatigue: Coping with secondary traumatic stress disorder in  those who treat the traumatized. Routledge.

Krimer, K. (2022). The Self-Care Plan for Empaths: 365 Days of Practices to Relax, Reduce Stress, and Manage Emotions. Sourcebooks, Inc..

Lipsky, L. van D., & Burk, C. (2009). Trauma stewardship: an everyday guide to caring for self while caring for others. San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler Publishers 

Lorde, Audre. (1988). A burst of light: essays. Ithaca, N.Y.Firebrand Books.

McCann, I. L., & Pearlman, L. A. (1990). Vicarious traumatization: A framework for understanding the psychological effects of working with victims. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 3(1), 131–149.

McNeillie, N., & Rose, J. (2021). Vicarious trauma in therapists: a meta-ethnographic review. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy49(4), 426–440. doi:10.1017/S1352465820000776

Paiva-Salisbury, M. L., & Schwanz, K. A. (2022). Building Compassion Fatigue Resilience: Awareness, Prevention, and Intervention for Pre-Professionals and Current Practitioners. Journal of health service psychology, 48(1), 39–46. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42843-022-00054-9