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@CIOL_Linguists
AUTUMN 2024 The Linguist 19
What can we do about it?
While it is not always possible to prevent VT, it is essential
to understand and accept that it is part of our job as
interpreters. The key is to find ways to recognise its early
signs and cope with it in the most constructive way
possible. As the response to trauma varies from person
to person, crafting a personalised self-care plan is vital.
Recognising the symptoms of trauma, staying in tune
with your body and mind, and scheduling time for
regular self-care, in the same way you would schedule
any other activity in your daily life, is essential. Some
people decompress by going out with friends and family,
while others prefer to stay at home and relax with music
or in complete silence to allow their mind to unwind. For
many, walks, regular exercise, sufficient sleep and a
balanced diet make a huge difference, while spending
time outdoors, meditating, travelling and walking in
nature may also do wonders.
However, there is only so much you can do without
the help of others. Humans are social beings and
connecting with others, even through pain, is a great
way to navigate and manage trauma. Connecting with
other people may take different forms. Speaking to a
specialised mental health professional is a good first
step. Just as therapists have supervisors to discuss work-
related thoughts and concerns, interpreters may find it
beneficial to speak to a mental health professional and
open up about our thoughts and feelings after a
challenging session. Not only can this get a load off our
chests, but it can also help us learn how to analyse our
thoughts and emotions, and feel more grounded. It also
teaches us how to cope with intrusive thoughts after an
interpreting session – a great skill that can be useful in
multiple aspects of our personal and professional life.
Connecting with others can also take the form of
supervision and peer support. Luckily, we live in a time
when people are more open about their struggles and
emotions. Sharing our work experiences and work-related
thoughts with a supervisor or with colleagues who
understand the nature of the job can reduce the stigma
associated with negative feelings after an interpreting
project. It can also be a great way to debrief, process
and exchange experiences with more seasoned
colleagues who share their tips and insights.
Reaching out to your manager if you work in-house,
or to colleagues who are members of professional
interpreting associations and have similar experiences,
can give you the impetus to join a peer support
AN EMPATHETIC
RESPONSE
Assignments can trigger
interpreters' past
experiences, and this
could have a lasting
effect on their mental
health and professional
performance
