How can you build a strong support system for critical incident stress assessment?

Critical incident stress assessment (CISA) is a process of evaluating and managing the psychological impact of traumatic events on individuals and groups. It can help prevent or reduce the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), burnout, depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. However, CISA can also be stressful and demanding for the professionals who conduct it, such as counselors, social workers, nurses, police officers, firefighters, and emergency responders. Therefore, it is essential to build a strong support system for CISA that can provide emotional, practical, and professional assistance. Here are some tips on how to do that.

1 Identify your needs

The first step to building a strong support system for CISA is to identify your own needs and challenges. What are the sources of stress and pressure that you face in your role? How do they affect your physical, mental, and emotional well-being? What are the signs and symptoms of stress that you experience? How do you cope with them? What are the gaps and barriers that prevent you from accessing or receiving adequate support? By answering these questions, you can gain a better understanding of your situation and what you need to improve it.

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Dr. Ronald Liteanu, M.D.

Dr. Ronald Liteanu. M.D. published author, award-winning psychiatrist Stress Expert Psychiatrist. Telehealth Psychiatry Practice accepts CIGNA & UNITEDHEALTHCARE. Licensed in New York State, Pennsylvania, Florida, Iowa.
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Critical Incident Stress is the physical and psychological symptoms occurring following exposure to a traumatic critical incident. When prolonged it may result in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Physical symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, fainting, chest pain, intense sweating. Psychological symptoms may include insomnia, nightmares, hypervigilance, poor attention / concentration, suspiciousness, fear, guilt, grief, panic, denial, anxiety, agitation, irritability, depression, social withdrawal. The presence of these symptoms may indicate a need for professional evaluation and therapeutic intervention. A psychiatrist as a specialized medical doctor well equipped to diagnose and treat these symptoms.

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2 Seek professional supervision

Professional supervision is a formal and structured process of receiving feedback, guidance, and advice from a qualified and experienced supervisor. It can help you improve your skills, knowledge, and performance in CISA, as well as address any ethical, legal, or clinical issues that may arise. Professional supervision can also offer you a safe and confidential space to reflect on your work, share your feelings, and vent your frustrations. It can enhance your confidence, competence, and satisfaction in your role. Therefore, you should seek regular and quality professional supervision from someone who understands and respects your work.

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Barbara Clifford

Resilient Leadership Expertise - Speaker| Educator | Coach | Mediator
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I believe that supervision should be compulsory part of a Critical Incident Stress Assessment. Additionally, an external counselling session. A staff member, in these appointments, can clearly communicate that they feel okay, if they wish, however the employer as a duty of care to demonstrate they have mitigated all risk. The law has changed in Australia around Psychological Risk. Now, employers are required to not only hold policy/procedure around this but act upon it or be liable. The employer needs to demonstrate they have done all that they can to mitigate PTSD.

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3 Connect with peers

Peers are people who share similar roles, experiences, and challenges as you in CISA. They can provide you with social and emotional support, as well as practical and professional assistance. They can empathize with your feelings, validate your concerns, and offer you advice or solutions. They can also help you cope with stress, isolation, and stigma that may come with your work. Therefore, you should connect with peers who can relate to and support you. You can join or form peer support groups, networks, or associations, either online or offline. You can also participate in peer debriefing, mentoring, or coaching programs.

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4 Involve family and friends

Family and friends are people who care about you and your well-being. They can provide you with emotional and practical support, as well as a sense of belonging and purpose. They can also help you balance your work and personal life, and remind you of your values and goals. Therefore, you should involve family and friends who can understand and appreciate your work. You can communicate with them regularly, share your feelings and experiences, and ask for their help or feedback. You can also spend quality time with them, engage in activities that you enjoy, and celebrate your achievements.

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5 Access external resources

External resources are services or programs that can offer you additional or specialized support for CISA. They can include counseling, therapy, coaching, training, education, or consultation. They can help you address any mental health issues, personal problems, or professional development needs that you may have. They can also provide you with tools, strategies, and techniques to enhance your well-being and performance. Therefore, you should access external resources that can suit your preferences and goals. You can seek referrals, recommendations, or information from your supervisor, peers, family, friends, or organizations.

Building a strong support system for CISA can help you cope with the stress and demands of your work, and improve your well-being and effectiveness. By identifying your needs, seeking professional supervision, connecting with peers, involving family and friends, and accessing external resources, you can create a network of support that can meet your diverse and changing needs. How do you build your support system for CISA? What are the benefits and challenges that you encounter? Share your thoughts and experiences with us.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you build a strong support system for critical incident stress assessment?

1

2

3

4

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1 Identify your needs

2 Seek professional supervision

3 Connect with peers

4 Involve family and friends

5 Access external resources

6 Here’s what else to consider

Stress Management

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How can you build a strong support system for critical incident stress assessment?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify your needs

2 Seek professional supervision

3 Connect with peers

4 Involve family and friends

5 Access external resources

6 Here’s what else to consider

Stress Management

Rate this article

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