Take Care of Yourself To Reduce Secondary Trauma
Avoid Burnout: Walk, Meditate, Breathe
By Becky Corning, Librarian, Pauline Robinson Branch
When someone undergoes a traumatic experience, that person is not the only person who suffers, says Denver Public Library Community Resource Specialist Elissa Hardy.
People who work with customers or clients experiencing hard times can develop symptoms of “secondary trauma,” also called “vicarious trauma,” “burnout,” or “compassion fatigue,” Hardy noted in a recent workshop.
Hardy began working for DPL in 2015. She has been surprised to see how many librarians experience secondary trauma. However, many other professions are prone to the phenomenon: professionals working in mental health care or substance treatment, those in the medical field, and teachers are some of the people who are susceptible.
New research has shown insights into “vicarious resiliency,” Hardy said.
Self-care can increase resiliency.
Making sure to take lunch breaks is one example of self-care. Going outside, walking, meditating and doing breathing exercises can be types of self-care.
“What I’ve found that helps is to find why you do the work, tapping into that,” Hardy noted. “Oftentimes it’s kind of a calling, something that you recognize as your path.”
Hardy recommended books by Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh. Among his books: How to Relax, Silence: The Power of Quiet in a World Full of Noise, as well as The Long Road Turns to Joy: A Guide to Walking Meditation, and many others.
Anyone who does public service may also want to look into vicarious trauma trainings, such as those offered by Vital Hearts: The Resiliency Training Initiative. In the Park Hill area, contact the Mental Health Center of Denver about upcoming trainings.
Pauline Robinson Branch Library – August Events
Preschool Storytime | Wednesdays Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 10:30 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for 3-5 year olds and their parents or caregivers.
Collage Diorama | Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2 p.m.
Get creative and set the scene for this recycled object 3D art project. Limited to 20 participants. Call to register.
The Art of String Art | Thursday, Aug. 4, 4 p.m.
Come learn string art using a variety of templates and colors of string. You will start the project here and get string to finish at home. Space is limited, for adults and kids ages 10 and up.
Grooving to the 80’s | Friday, August 5, 3 – 5:45 p.m.
As part of Denver Days, we will host a community party and flash back to the 80’s. We’ll be outside with 80’s music, trivia and of course a costume contest. Think big hair, bright colors, tight pants and big earrings.
Music Around the World with Annie’s Music Academy | Wednesday, Aug. 10, 10:30 a.m.
Come and learn traditional folk songs, dances and games from around the world. We will explore the similarities and differences between cultures and how children specifically participate. Be ready to run, move, play, dance and sing. Program is geared toward ages 2-5 and their caregivers.
How I Learned to Juggle at My Library with Ann Lincoln | Thursday, Aug. 11, 2 p.m.
After many years of reading books and lots of practice, Ann has learned how to juggle everything from scarves to beanbags to clubs to bowling balls. And you can too!
End of Summer Reading Celebration | Thursday, Aug. 11, 2:45-3:45 p.m.
The library will celebrate the end of the Summer of Reading program with special activities for the whole family.
Anime Club | Saturday, Aug. 13, 3 p.m.
Anime watchers, Manga readers and Anime Lovers alike come join us the second Saturday of the month. Watch, read, talk, act, eat and breathe Anime and Manga. For grades 8-12.
The Pauline Robinson Book Club | Saturday, Aug. 27, noon
This month’s selection: And the Mountain Echoed by Khaled Hosseini. Drop-ins are welcome.
One-on-One Computer Help | Mondays and Wednesdays, noon-1p.m.
Get technology assistance from one of our in-house experts on your own device or a public computer. Learn the basics, such as email, social networking, word processing and eMedia. Call the library at 720-865-0290 to schedule an appointment for Monday or Wednesday.
Park Hill Library – August events
All Ages Storytime | Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for children of all ages and their caregivers. Craft activity immediately follows the program.
Baby Storytime | Thursdays and Fridays at 11:15 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for babies ages 0-18 months and their caregivers. Play and social time immediately follow the program.
Toddler Storytime | Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their caregivers.
Bingo for Books | Friday, Aug. 5, 3 p.m.
Play bingo to win books. Increase your chances by bringing a new or gently used book to add to the prize pile and get an extra card to play. Remaining books will be donated to the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation.
Ice Cream Social and Volunteer Fair | Saturday, Aug. 6, 11 a.m.
Indulge in ice cream with neighbors and donate a nonperishable food item to the Greater Park Hill Community Emergency Food Bank. Also, learn about volunteer opportunities that will deepen your connection with your community.
Magic Club | Monday, Aug. 8 and Monday, Aug. 22, 4:30 p.m.
Are you a teen in grades 6-12? Do you already play Magic: the Gathering, or are interested in learning? Join us two Mondays a month to play and meet other teens who are also magic-minded!
Teen Advisory Board (TAB) | Tuesday, Aug. 9 and Tuesday, Aug. 23, 6 p.m.
Teens ages 13 and up are invited to join the Park Hill TAB. Help plan library events and projects at the Park Hill Library, talk about your favorite books, and make your opinion count. Join us for twice monthly meetings.
Mexican Street Food | Wednesday, Aug. 10, 6:30 p.m.
Curious about the culture of street food? Take a culinary journey to the streets of Mexico City in your own kitchen. Learn tips and tricks, sample delicious examples and take home some recipes.
No Strings Attached Book Discussion Group | Saturday, Aug. 13, 11 a.m.
Read whatever you want and attend whenever you can. Share a recent read, an old favorite, or anything in between.
The Real Mrs. Price with Author J.D. Mason | Saturday, Aug. 13, 2:30 p.m.
J. D. Mason is a national bestselling and award-winning author whose published contemporary novels and whose work has been featured in Today’s Black Woman, Essence, Denver’s Urban Spectrum and Jewel magazine. Books will be available for sale and signing.
Genre Chat 2nd/3rd Grade Book Club | Tuesday, Aug. 16, 3:30 p.m.
Celebrate the Summer of Olympics by reading The Magic Tree House, Hour of the Olympics by Mary Pope Osborne, Additional optional reading: Ancient Greece and the Olympics: A Nonfiction Companion to Hour of the Olympics. This month’s activity will include our own silly Olympic events.
Blooming Readers 4th/5th Grade Book Club | Thursday, Aug. 18, 3:30 p.m.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
Activity: Food creation
Park Hill Underground Comedy Club: Nathan Lund | Thursday, Aug. 18, 7 p.m.
Laugh with beloved Comedy Works regular and host of Film on the Rocks, Nathan Lund and opener Zach Reinert in our underground, after hours comedy club. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Eighteen and over only due to adult content.
Geocaching 101 | Saturday, Aug. 20, 2:30 p.m.
Looking for an outdoor adventure for you and your family? Geocaching offers exploration, problem solving and fun on mountaintops, at local parks and even within your local library. Come to our Geocaching 101 event and learn the basics of this fun and rewarding high-tech treasure hunt.
North of 50: Plant Based Diets: A Cure? | Wednesday, Aug. 24, 4 p.m.
Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of clinical cardiology at National Jewish Health, takes us on a tour of research and nutritional knowledge that can keep our hearts and bodies healthy.
Sewing Lounge | Saturday, Aug. 27, 10 a.m.
Have a project you want to work on, but don’t have a sewing machine? No problem, use ours. Grab your supplies and head on over. We’re here to answer your questions.
Back to School Back Nine | Saturday, Aug. 27, 5:30-7 p.m.
Play a 9-hole course of Putt-Putt golf in the library after hours. Golfers are encouraged to sign up for a tee time in advance at 720-865-0250 or by stopping by the library. Walk-ins are welcome and will tee off on a first-come, first-served basis. Children must be accompanied by an adult.