Trauma Sea's- Steady the Ship.

 

"The future depends on what we do in the present"

Mahatma Gandhi

 
 

The word trauma on its own can mean many things- we all could examine and explain it differently, its impact, it's loss, the anger and disbelief it produces.Research indicates to us that trauma in C&YP can have an impact on their development, ability to learn,emotional well being, resilience and their capacity to engage and trust.

There are some C&YP who are less effected than others we are informed- and we may witness this in our vocational  lives.... I would be bold enough to say that this is not entirely true.

 

It too has the same impact on adults alike, the extended family and the care givers.

I include those HCP's who observe and engage with C&YP who are in the midst of unimaginable trauma.

As a Specialised Play Practitioner (SPP) I see trauma in the many forms it takes.

The unstable sick child or young person, the pre- operative C&YP worried about "going to sleep and waking up during an operation ", the YP who has lived with a long term health condition, and has "had enough of being sick all the time"

The YP who feels so isolated that the only way to feel anything- is to harm themselves, and then tell no one.

 

C&YP look at situations that build stress levels and add to their emotional breakdown as "the worst thing that has ever happened to me".

 

A YP recently shared that he felt so let down by adults-

"who are supposed to be grown ups" he felt better leaving and sitting on the pavement in the middle of the road " because at least I can be seen"

 

When C&YP share those most intimate of thoughts with you, it can at times be overwhelming as the care giver, for those feelings lie deep within, and at times never leave.

 

 

As HCP's we could describe working alongside a C&YP in trauma in the following way-Being at the bow of the ship it may take a turn through uncharted waters sometimes, it may drop anchor and rest for a while, there may be storms,  and sometimes sunshine and blue sky's- but it may always be bumpy for some, it may always produce fears and anxieties.

As a SPP- working in a multi- skilled acute paediatric ward- the team and I help navigate and steer, support and explain- the why's and where's - the who's and whens'.

Sometimes we cannot answer everything, sometimes we don't know why..... What we can do is offer time,  be honest, be present and be prepared.

Trauma is also somewhat sneaky - it lerks like a Giant Jellyfish- underneath the calm waters of our ship- waiting - to glide through the water, and slowly tentacle by tentacle it latches on to the ship- making it sway, and rock and sting.

We are the ones charged with the elements, the abilities to listen, to engage, to care, to be kind, to tame the Jellyfish.

We are also the ones who have to be realistic, we are acutely aware of the constraints we face as HCP.

Health Play Specialists work alongside this trauma,  supporting the medical and clinical teams, providing a safer passage through stormy seas.

Explaining- listening, working through fears, and why they occur- the answer to that may be never known- that's the thing with Trauma - remember it's sneaky and if not shown the right way to swim- it may sting too much.

Recently I have been spending lots of time with families where trauma has occurred- many times over.

The look of horror, of disbelief will always remain my instigator to be who I am with these families- and how they allow me to be alongside them.

To gain a deeper level of understanding I have also had to do lots of reading and research- always learning and growing are what makes me able to continue to work with kindness and compassion.

Colby Pearce writes "It is not what children do, but why they do it- it is crucial to understanding them, and where intervening successfully with them"

Play will always remain my shining light- no matter of age or ability.

In trauma C&YP loose the ability to play, as a SPP I have the task of helping and supporting C&YP to restore the gift they have for play.

To use it - as it is the most powerful tool to use to build understanding and to process events- however negative and destructive they may be.

This week has seen Trauma and Resilience discussed on a larger scale at the recent conference of school nursing- #SNIC15- amazing work and processes have come out of that conference - and I was thrilled that we were able to read and take part via SoMe, @wecypns.

Our very own Children's Commissioner discussed how within the education and PSHE setting we can help to build resilience.

 

I finish this week with a few things- a sentence shared from a recent day I attended at The Institute of Arts in Therapy and Education

 

"Can a patient use the therapist to co-regulate fear and feeling?

They have to re-live the trauma to face, express, experience and arrive on the other side- and then they can regulate with support"

 

 A photograph of amazing courage- and growth- I am privileged to be part of.

 

 

 

Lastly 5 tips for the new HCP's who join our teams this week and will work alongside patients and there families who may be experiences many levels of trauma.

 

1- Always share #Hellomynameis and smile.

2. A favourite thing- begins conversations and breaks down clinical barriers

3. Clear and simple explanations- what is happening next and why. 

4. Stickers are amazing to give and receive ( TY @karmicgirl for reminding me)

5. There are never ever any silly questions.

 

Sian Spencer-Little