Immediate steps to avoid secondary trauma 1. 2. 3. 4. Pace the frequency with which staff is exposed to traumatic content. Eliminate needless repeat exposure. Review sorting and tagging procedures to reduce unnecessary viewing. Experiment with different ways of viewing. Some find concentrating on certain details, for instance clothes, and avoiding others (such as faces) can help create 5. emotional distance. Adjust the viewing environment: reduce the size of the image or video or adjust 6. 7. 8. 9. the screen’s brightness/resolution. Turn sound off when possible. Take frequent screen breaks. Look at something pleasing, take a walk or stretch. When emailing graphic content, write a content warning into the subject line. Clearly label all files when archiving, so that people are not accidentally exposed to graphic content. 10. Craft your own self-care plan. Research shows that highly resilient individuals are more likely to exercise regularly, maintain outside interests and enthusiasms, and invest time in their social connections when challenged by trauma-related stress. 11. Set up peer support networks within organisations to talk about the horrible content you have had to encounter. PTSD arising from secondary trauma is professionally treatable. If you think you or a colleague may be suffering from PTSD, seek professional help immediately. 71