Professionals who regularly witness disturbing images, read upsetting material, or engage in high-stress, caring roles often experience an emotional toll that builds quietly, yet steadily.
Whether you’re a police officer reviewing graphic evidence, a cyber investigator tracking online crimes, or a content moderator filtering harmful media, you may find yourself becoming desensitised—a sign of compassion fatigue. It creeps in, affecting the care and empathy you offer.
War correspondents and military analysts who repeatedly witness human suffering face vicarious trauma, leading to symptoms that may resemble PTSD.
For those in forensics, safeguarding, or social work, the relentless exposure to distressing cases can lead to burnout—the slow erosion of your energy, empathy, and passion, impacting both your professional and personal life.
Sound familiar?
If you work in healthcare, emergency services, or any field dealing with trauma, the risk is high. Recognising the signs and prioritising self-care are key to protecting your well-being.
Resilience isn’t just about coping—it’s about taking proactive steps to sustain your passion and energy in these high-pressure roles.
It starts with understanding that when team members feel energised, resilience and performance soar. When energy is low, both falter.
We often focus on physical energy—sleep, exercise, diet—but true resilience comes from balancing four types of energy:
👉 Emotional energy is fueled by feeling valued and appreciated. For a content moderator or safeguarding professional, a culture of trust boosts this energy, while stress and conflict drain it.
👉 Mental energy is about focus. Whether you’re an intelligence analyst or cyber investigator, resilience requires environments that support concentration and regular breaks.
👉 And the greatest source of resilience is purpose. For a war correspondent or forensics expert, knowing why your work matters energises you. Without purpose, even small tasks feel overwhelming.
Resilient teams are built on these four energy sources—physical, emotional, mental, and purpose-driven.
Today, I had the privilege of presenting a workshop to NHS Safeguarding Leads, where we explored strategies for building resilience, managing compassion fatigue, and preventing burnout in their high-pressure roles.
If you work in a challenging environment and want to stay resilient and effective, get in touch to learn more about my workshops focused on your well-being and performance.
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