7 Things We Know About Thriving In Tough Times & Places

To mark the launch of our new elearning courses on Thriving In Times Of Crisis and Supporting Staff In High Risk, Insecure Environments our team shares insights on what they’ve learned about thriving when circumstances are stressful.

Consultant Psychosocial Practitioner // GRAHAM FAWCETT

“Many of our clients work to serve others in difficult, complex and even dangerous contexts. Though these circumstances can sometimes overwhelm people, we know that even when immersed in this, people can still have a life that feels vibrant, exciting and joyful. But that can only be done from a place of gratitude and hope. So if you do purpose-led work then maintaining gratitude and hope is crucial, because that’s what puts you in a position to cope and sometimes even win over these circumstances.

Senior Psychologist // DIANA CHEPKOSGEI

“Setting and enforcing boundaries in your life is especially important in tough times or difficult places. For example, well-meaning colleagues or friends might want to speak with you about the stressful situation or crisis that you are in. If you’d prefer not to discuss it at work, or at all, politely but firmly tell them so. And although news and social media are important sources of information, they can often fuel a sense of fear and worry – it’s okay to tune out when you need to.”

Therapist // KRISTEN GUSKOVICT

“When we’re stressed or feel threatened, we find it harder to listen and take on new information. In a team, this makes it harder for people to trust each other, to make decisions, to solve problems, and to get a clear picture of what’s going on. When working in a war zone or other dangerous location, this can place a team in greater danger. For staff who will work in places like this, it is crucial therefore that they take time to learn about stress and how it impacts their work – this is something we can help with.”

Psychosocial & Wellbeing Lead // BEN PORTER

“There are no right or wrong ways to express our emotions, as long as they are authentic. It is okay to cry. It is okay not to cry. It is okay to be angry. It is okay not to be angry. Try and become self-aware about what is happening to you and within you. If you judge yourself for feeling pain, sadness, jealousy — which are part of the human experience and are transient emotions — it leads to secondary emotions like shame. These emotions are often more intense and more harmful, they distract us from the root of the problem, and they don’t give space for self-compassion, which is so vital to our mental health. So the best we can be is authentic.”

Chief Executive Officer // LEANNE MAREGA

“Vicarious trauma – the emotional and psychological harm that can happen when someone is exposed to the suffering of others – has become more common among our clients. And yet organisational understanding of it hasn’t kept pace with its rise: many organisations don’t have robust mechanisms or strategies to pace, manage and support teams that are at risk of it. But regular, dedicated support is an essential part of managing the impact of exposure.”

Chief Thriving Officer // KAREN ABBS

“If you’re a manager, HR representative or leader, and supporting someone in your team that’s been in a crisis, remember you’re not there to explore the traumatic events as you are (presumably) not a trained counsellor. Your role is to understand what they might need, provide some basic support, focus on positive coping and then connect them to additional support that may be available.”

And finally, from all of us: “In hard times, we need to listen to our bodies and spirits, not just our minds. When it comes to the body, ask yourself: Do I need more sleep? Do I need to drink more water? Do I need to exercise to relieve tension? Are my thoughts racing or looping? Am I stuck with a particular emotion? And when it comes to the spirit, you could ask: Are my ethics and values? Am I fulfilling a purpose I believe in? Am I connected with others who share similar values?”

Sign up to our Thriving In Times Of Crisis course here, and for our Supporting Staff In High Risk, Insecure Environments, click here.