Working with traumatised children has left me burnt out and hypervigilant

Working with traumatised children is difficult and emotionally demanding. Clinical psychologist Professor Tanya Byron addresses the heavy toll this type of work takes on professionals. Many individuals in care roles report feelings of burnout and chronic hypervigilance as they navigate the secondary trauma that comes from helping others.

Hypervigilance often manifests as an inability to switch off after the workday ends. Professionals find themselves scanning environments for threats or over-analyzing interactions long after they have left the office. This state of constant readiness keeps the nervous system in a heightened mode which prevents genuine rest and recovery.

Byron emphasizes the importance of setting clear boundaries to protect mental health. Without specific separation between work life and personal time, the pressure accumulates. Care providers are advised to prioritize self-care routines that regulate the nervous system to avoid long-term exhaustion.

Professional support is vital for those who work in high-stress environments. Discussing these experiences with supervisors or peers helps break the isolation that often accompanies burnout. Acknowledging that this exhaustion is a common response rather than a personal failure is a necessary first step toward recovery.