The Silent Burden: Supporting Partners of Healthcare Workers with PTSD in Alberta

The demanding field of healthcare often puts its workers at the forefront of trauma and suffering. While the dedication of these professionals is undeniable, the emotional and psychological toll can be significant, potentially leading to conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD’s effects extend beyond the individual, significantly impacting their families, especially their spouses or partners. This article explores PTSD among healthcare workers in Alberta, focusing on the experiences of their partners, available support strategies, and promoting positive change, with a particular emphasis on resources and support available through Responders First.

Understanding PTSD Among Healthcare Workers in Alberta

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. For healthcare workers, constant exposure to human suffering, life-and-death situations, and high-pressure environments can create a breeding ground for trauma.

Canadian and Alberta Data:

Research shows a concerning prevalence of PTSD among healthcare workers, especially during crises. A study on the COVID-19 pandemic estimated the overall prevalence of PTSD among healthcare workers to be 13.52%. In Canada, the figures are similarly concerning. Pooled data from 2020 and 2021 showed an overall PTSD prevalence of 6.9%. Another national survey revealed that 6.1% of Canadian adults have a PTSD diagnosis from a healthcare professional, with a higher prevalence among women.

While precise statistics specifically for Alberta are difficult to find, the national data provides a relevant context. It’s reasonable to assume that Alberta, with its robust healthcare system and the pressures faced during events like the COVID-19 pandemic, mirrors national trends. Frontline workers are reported to have been more significantly impacted. Resources for PTSD support in Canada and Alberta are crucial for addressing this issue.

Occupational Stressors:

The sources of stress for healthcare workers, or “occupational stressors,” are numerous:

• Trauma Exposure: Direct exposure to traumatic events, like patient deaths, severe injuries, and the suffering of others, is a primary factor.
• Workload and Long Hours: High patient volumes, constant demands, and long hours, including shift work, contribute to burnout and stress.
• Limited Resources: Lack of adequate resources, like staffing shortages, equipment limitations, and insufficient support, can worsen stress.
• Pandemic-Related Stress: During pandemics like COVID-19, fear of infection, risk of transmission to loved ones, and the emotional toll of caring for critically ill patients added immense pressure.
• Past Outbreaks: Previous outbreaks, such as SARS and Ebola, have also shown increased PTSD rates among healthcare workers.

These stressors create an environment where the risk of developing PTSD is considerably higher for healthcare professionals. Understanding PTSD in healthcare workers is the first step towards providing support.

The Ripple Effect: Impact on Partners

While healthcare workers directly face trauma, their partners often bear a significant, though often unseen, burden. The impact of PTSD radiates outward, affecting relationships and creating challenges for partners.

Emotional and Psychological Strain:

Partners often experience vicarious trauma or secondary traumatic stress in partners of first responders. This occurs when they indirectly experience the trauma through their loved one’s experiences. They hear the stories, witness the emotional aftermath, and absorb the stress, leading to their own distress. Studies indicate increased anxiety and depression in partners. Many partners feel overwhelmed by supporting a loved one with PTSD, experiencing:

• Constant Worry: Persistent concern for their partner’s well-being.
• Emotional Exhaustion: Feeling drained from providing emotional support.
• Helplessness: Feeling powerless in the face of their partner’s struggles.
• Irritability: Difficulty managing their own emotions. Recognizing PTSD signs, even secondary ones, is crucial.

Social Isolation:

The social lives of both the healthcare worker and their partner can be significantly affected. The person with PTSD may withdraw socially, and the partner may also find their interactions limited due to:

• Caregiving: Supporting their partner leaves less time for socializing.
• Feeling Misunderstood: Others may not grasp the challenges, leading to isolation.
• Stigma: The stigma around mental health can make it hard to discuss openly.

Increased Responsibilities:

Household dynamics often shift. Partners frequently take on more domestic responsibilities, like housework, childcare, and financial management. Research shows increased “carer responsibilities”. The partner may also become the primary emotional support, which can be draining.

Relationship Strain:

PTSD symptoms can strain the relationship:

• Decreased Intimacy: Emotional and physical intimacy may suffer.
• Communication Issues: PTSD can cause irritability, anger, and difficulty expressing emotions.
• Increased Conflict: Disagreements may become more frequent.
• Erosion of Trust: Changes in behavior can erode trust.

Partner’s Mental Health:

Research, particularly in military families, highlights the significant impact on partners’ mental health. Studies show partners exposed to occupational trauma often exhibit poorer family mental health. They may experience:

• Higher Depression and Anxiety: Compared to the general population.
• Increased PTSD Risk: Especially with pre-existing vulnerabilities.
• Emotional Regulation Difficulties: Managing emotions amidst stress.
• Sleep Problems: Difficulty sleeping due to worry.

Evidence-Based Support Strategies

Addressing the needs of both the healthcare worker and their partner requires a multi-faceted approach.

1. Psychoeducation:

Providing information about PTSD, its symptoms, its impact on relationships, and treatment options is crucial. This helps partners:

• Understand the Condition: Demystifying PTSD reduces confusion.
• Develop Realistic Expectations: Learning about recovery helps manage expectations.
• Recognize Symptoms: Identifying symptoms allows for earlier intervention.
• Learn Coping Strategies: Psychoeducation provides practical tools.

2. Individual Therapy:

Therapy for the partner addresses their own mental health needs. It provides a safe space to process emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and address issues like anxiety, depression, or secondary trauma. Approaches include:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps modify negative thoughts and behaviors.
• Support Groups: Connection with other partners
• Trauma-Focused Therapies: For partners experiencing secondary trauma.

3. Couples Therapy:

When both partners are willing, couples therapy can be invaluable. It helps:

• Improve Communication: Facilitating open and honest communication.
• Address Relationship Challenges: Identifying and addressing issues stemming from PTSD.
• Develop Joint Coping Strategies: Working together to manage challenges.
• Trauma-Informed Couples Therapy: A specialized approach considering trauma’s impact.

4. Support Groups:

Support groups for partners of individuals with PTSD offer a unique resource. They provide:

• A Safe Space: Sharing experiences without fear of judgment.
• Peer Support: Connecting with others who understand reduces isolation.
• Shared Learning: Gaining practical tips and coping strategies.
• Reduced Isolation: Knowing they are not alone.

Barriers to Accessing Support

Despite available support, barriers can prevent partners from accessing help.

1. Stigma:

The stigma surrounding mental health remains a barrier. Partners may hesitate due to:

• Fear of Judgment: Concern about being judged.
• Internalized Stigma: Feeling ashamed or embarrassed.
• Cultural Factors: Norms discouraging seeking help.

2. Financial Constraints:

The cost of mental health services can be a deterrent. Services like therapy and respite care may not be fully covered by insurance.

3. Lack of Awareness:

Partners may be unaware of available resources. They may not know:

• Where to Find Information: Difficulty navigating the system.
• What Support Exists: Unfamiliarity with options.
• How to Access Services: Unclear referral processes.

4. Time Constraints:

Balancing work, caregiving, and other responsibilities leaves little time for self-care.

5. Geographical Limitations:

Access to specialized care can be limited in rural areas of Alberta, requiring significant travel. Residents may face:

• Longer Wait Times: For appointments.
• Limited Specialists: Fewer therapists with PTSD expertise.
• Transportation Challenges: Difficulty traveling for treatment.

Supporting Healthcare Partners in Alberta: A Call to Responders First

The issue of PTSD among healthcare workers and its impact on partners is critical. By understanding challenges, providing support, removing barriers, and investing in research, we can create a more supportive environment.

In Alberta and across Canada, we must:

• Raise Awareness: About PTSD and its impact.
• Reduce Stigma: Around mental health.
• Advocate for Policy Changes: Improving access to services.
• Support Organizations: Providing resources and programs.
• Promote Compassion: In healthcare and the community.

Responders First is dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of first responders and healthcare professionals, including their partners. We encourage you to explore our resources, connect with our support networks, and learn more about how we can help. If you are the partner of a healthcare worker struggling with PTSD, or if you are a healthcare worker seeking support for yourself or your family, please reach out to Responders First. We are here to help you navigate these challenges and build a stronger, healthier future.

Don Davis

15+ years of emergency response experience. Passionate about connecting our first responder communities with critical resources. Author of hundreds of articles and guides on First Responders mental health care. When not responding to emergencies, you can find me playing with my dogs, hiking, or enjoying a good book.