United We Stand, Divided We Fall: Breaking Free From Trauma Bonds

IP LifeLine From Infection Control Today

Nearly 5 years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new threat emerges, jeopardizing the resilience we've painstakingly cultivated. This "second trauma wave" is defined by government policy changes that ripple through the lives of US citizens, both directly and indirectly. For public health professionals, this translates to disruptions in national and international infrastructure and funding, fostering a climate of instability.

Within mere weeks of a new presidential term, we are inundated with news and personal accounts of these changes impacting our colleagues and the wider public health community. As IPs, we grapple with these shifts' profound implications on our ability to protect patient populations. These changes signal a fundamental shift in national priorities, directly influencing our capacity to ensure patient safety.

This evolving landscape generates heightened stress and uncertainty, forcing us to navigate a new policy environment while addressing the pandemic's lingering effects and the constant threat of emerging infectious diseases. However, amidst these challenges, we have the opportunity to strengthen our bonds as IPs, facing this new wave together.

Trauma Bonding During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic fostered a unique form of trauma bonding within the IP community. The virus, acting as an unpredictable "abuser," subjected IPs to a relentless cycle of crisis characterized by overwhelming patient surges and fluctuating mortality rates interspersed with brief moments of perceived calm. This created a profound emotional attachment, not only to our vulnerable patients but also to our frontline colleagues who were caring for these patients.

At the beginning of the pandemic, public health and IPs were valued and commended for their support and efforts. However, over time, public opinion and that of our colleagues and patients changed as IPs implemented visitor restrictions, access to personal protective equipment (PPE) was limited, and IPs had to provide recommendations on resource allocation of vital equipment.

Breaking From Trauma Bonds

(AI Image Credit: Author)

While IPs were scapegoated and subjected to misinformation-fueled scrutiny, we perceived this negativity as a consequence of fear of the virus, not malice toward us. We maintained an unwavering commitment to our patients and facilities. As challenging as this dynamic was, it reinforced how vital we were.

We were and are a crucial link between public health guidelines and their real-world application within healthcare settings. Despite the intense stress, exhaustion,⁵ and burnout,^6,7 the shared experience of navigating the pandemic's challenges forged an unbreakable bond, fostering collective resilience within the IP community. We are united by a shared mission—strength in knowing, as a community, that IPs are never alone.

Experience of shared trauma

For IPs who endured the COVID-19 pandemic, the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding recent federal changes pose a significant risk of re-traumatization, threatening a workforce already grappling with burnout and attrition.

This new threat is not as straightforward as a global pandemic; instead, it is a complex interplay of government policy shifts that have an unknown impact on our everyday way of life. As such, the effects of this second wave of trauma on IPs and the nation are difficult to predict. IPS must be aware and recognize the potential impact of these policy changes on their well-being.

Standing United

Adequate support systems, including focusing on individual resources for stress management, are essential. Furthermore, addressing the systemic issues contributing to IP stress and burnout is vital, such as understaffing, limited resources, and the evolving complexity and breadth of responsibilities required in today’s healthcare settings. Without an intentional effort to support the infection prevention field, we risk losing a critical workforce at a time when their expertise is needed more than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the vital role that IPs play in protecting public health. We must not allow a second wave of trauma to erode their resilience and jeopardize our passion for the work we do and the value we bring.

Firm Boundaries for Information Consumption

The constant influx of information from news, social media, and professional networks can easily lead to overwhelming feelings, especially when navigating presidential executive orders, shifting research priorities, and widespread layoffs. This relentless barrage significantly impacts mental health, increasing stress, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness. While the urge to either completely disengage or become consumed by "doomscrolling" is understandable, neither extreme is healthy.

Instead, a balanced approach is crucial. Asking yourself, "What do I need to know?" and "When is it too much?" can help regulate information intake. If emotional exhaustion, anxiety, or helplessness arise, it signals to re-evaluate and rebalance. Establishing boundaries, like limiting notifications and scheduling news consumption, is vital. Prioritizing reliable, fact-based reporting over sensationalism further protects mental space, allowing for focused engagement. Whether carefully selecting news sources or taking periodic breaks from media, self-awareness is key to determining your individual needs and maintaining a healthy balance.

Prioritizing Emotional Well-Being

Because we are members of the health care, public health, and research communities, IPs are impacted by governmental changes in many ways. While some IPs may experience these changes directly in their work or personal lives, nearly all are connected to someone within their network who has been impacted. It is vital to emotional processing that we acknowledge the complete array of emotions we experience without judgment or suppression. Sharing these experiences with a support system can further mitigate isolation and uncertainty, reinforcing the sense of community. When we share our feelings and feel heard, it validates that what we are feeling is universal. This process of emotional processing is critical, as it strengthens resilience and empowers IPs to navigate this challenging period with greater fortitude. By acknowledging and allowing space to process, IPs strengthen their bonds, build resilience, and ultimately prioritize their emotional well-being.

Leading with Empathy and Empowerment

Just as the COVID-19 pandemic impacted every facet of our lives, we're now collectively experiencing the effects of the new administration's changes. This period of uncertainty and change can easily lead to feeling overwhelmed and powerless. However, it also presents an opportunity to cultivate empathy for ourselves and those around us. Remember, your colleagues, neighbors, and even the person at the checkout are all confronting these same difficulties. This shared experience allows us to be empathetic and give grace, recognizing the impact these changes have on their lives and those of their loved ones.

Furthermore, we can reclaim our sense of agency through action. What steps can you take to feel empowered? Reach out to those in your network, offering support and asking how they cope. Consider leveraging your voice or time by contacting your local government representative or assisting a laid-off colleague to update their resume. Finally, as an IP community, how can your local APIC chapter initiate a collective call to action? The actions do not have to be large; small actions that allow you to feel empowered will help you, and by extending empathy and support, we focus on standing united.

Divided We Fall

In today's highly charged political climate, preventing political divisions from infiltrating the infection prevention field is challenging. Regardless of individual stances on current government changes, we must acknowledge their universal impact. While our beliefs may differ, we all want the best for our collective future. Allowing fear, anger, and uncertainty to fuel judgment and prejudice undermines our shared purpose. Despite differing political perspectives, we are united as infection preventionists and members of the broader public health community, driven by a commitment to serve and protect. Political fragmentation would compromise collaboration, erode trust, and hinder our ability to respond effectively to emerging threats, ultimately jeopardizing patient safety. Therefore, we must remain unified in our shared mission, supporting one another as we navigate these challenging times.

Additional Resources

• For a certified coach in your area, check out the International Coaching Federation (ICF) “Find a Coach” link at https://coachingfederation.org/find-a-coach
• For a licensed therapist, check out Psychology Today’s “Find a Therapist” link athttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
• For an up-to-date list of Presidential Executive orders, see the Presidential Actions link from the White House at Presidential Actions – The White House.