T R I N AMCLELLAN

How do you confront trauma in your non-fiction writing

& writing life?

SCIRWF 2017

The impact of a traumatic incident is like

the ripples on a pond, radiating out from

ground zero,affecting far more people

than one might expect

When one or more people

* experience* witness* are confronted with

* actual or threatened death* serious injury* a threat of sexual assault

(to self or others)

IMPORTANT NOTE:Your experience of trauma may be director by witnessing it happening to others,including interviewing victims/survivors/witnesses.It can even be experienced electronically – if this is part of your job (e.g., vetting traumatic images or footage)

WHAT IS A TRAUMATIC INCIDENT?

Those affected have been in an unreal, unfamiliar situation

* may have lost someone close* may have lost their sense of control* may react differently to others* reactions may be immediate or delayed … remember, no hat fits all heads, so never assume* you may/may not react to what you hear about a traumatic incident & that’s perfectly normal

* ongoing symptoms, though, signal help is needed* be especially watchful if you have witnessed a traumatic incident

EFFECTS OF TRAUMA

How they can influence behaviour of a victim during an interview

* memory loss* lack of focus* emotional reactivity* multiple versions of a story … all signs of trauma!

Be familiar with signs of trauma. Don’t assume victim is evading the truth. e.g., lack of linear memory is often a sign of trauma, so ask “What else happened?” not “What happened next?”

EFFECTS OF TRAUMA

REMEMBER: People may experience all, some or none of these reactions & even those not directly involved may be vicariously traumatised

• shock, emotionally overwhelmed, sadness, disorientation/detachment/disconnection

• incomplete recall, intense fear, terror, horror, helplessness, nightmares, flashbacks, loss of control, inability to concentrate/remember

• psychological symptoms, incl. depression, anxiety, panic attacks, hyper-alertness, heightened startle response, irritability, angry outbursts, emotional numbness, dissociation

• physical symptoms, incl. aches/pains, tachycardia, sweating/palpitations, illness susceptibility, sleep changes, digestive disturbances, dietary changes

• avoidant/isolating behaviours, esp. with triggers• trust issues, feelings of betrayal, shame, desire for

revenge• self-blame/survivor guilt, fear of the future• substance abuse

IMPORTANTLY: If symptoms persist for more than a month, seek professional help

HUMAN RESPONSES TO TRAUMA

1

Keep these in mind

3 NEEDS OF TRAUMA SURVIVORS

To feel safe (or feel

their loved one/s is/are)

2To be able to

express emotion without

judgment

3To understand

what comes next for them

(or their loved one/s)

Consider what this person has been through already …have they been swamped by media or had a bad experience with a news outlet? do they have questions for you? were they a witness?

Respect their need to maintain a sense of control … e.g., additional personal space, someone to be with them as they are interviewed, bring out equipment after they are settled

Be especially careful with vulnerable individuals …this includes the person & their loved ones … e.g., children, older relatives; express your sympathy; remain calm if they are not

Do your homework about what has happened …look at news coverage, speak to authorities, check charge sheets &/or court transcripts, were children involved?

Think before you act

THE APPROACH

Take care with first impressions …be aware that they may have heightened sensitivities. Go gently & give them time to tell their own story in their own time

Be transparent & discuss ground rules up front … tell them how you will work; what their input will be; when they can ask questions; if they will see a draft of your manuscript; etc.

Discuss any privacy & confidentiality issues …this is especially important if what you’re told or write may endanger or seriously affect the interviewee or their loved ones

Be a sensitive, patient & ethical interviewer …never say ‘I know how you feel’; tell them they can take a break if needed; turn recorder off if they ask to go off the record

Let them take control …do not pressure them to disclose confidential information

nor to confirm secret investigation details& avoid returning to the scene of the incident with them

THE INTERVIEW

Triple check everything, even the smallest facts …they have the right not to have their story trivialised, twisted or misrepresented; check names, dates, places, incl. spelling

Avoid placing the focus on their apparent grief … they have shared their story with you not because of their loss, but usually to see it doesn’t happen to others

Be sensitive to imputations of blame, guilt or retribution …be alert to any special impacts of photographs, graphics, audio/video recordings; allow them to request these be omitted

Promptly return any personal items after you’re done …ensure they are in the same condition as they were given to you; sometimes these are cherished reminders

Be accountable & accurate let them know when you expect the story to be published

if story may spark a crisis reaction,ensure it has appropriate support hotlines prominently displayed

WRITING THEIR STORY

Self-care is critical

• mobilise support by reaching out & connecting with those with relevant experience – get a trusted mentor

• maintain balanced diet & healthy sleep cycle as much as possible

• engage in hard exercise• avoid overuse of stimulants – caffeine,

sugar, nicotine, alcohol, drugs• add relaxation to your routine – hot baths,

meditation/prayer, listen to calming music• nurture a sense of humour• hug a loved one, pets included• organise/do something socially active• keep a diary or gratitude journal• take photographs of nature

COPING STRATEGIES

cry, draw,talk about your experiences & reactions with an empathetic listener

Build resilience

Don’t bottle up emotions

HOW TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT

COVERING TRAUMA

dartcentre.org/asia-pacific

T H A N KYOU

Further resources:dartcenter.org AND

dartcentre.org/asia-pacific