899 - LIVED EXPERIENCES OF MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS WITH SECONDARY TRAUMATIC STRESS WORKING WITH WAR REFUGEES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY FROM LITHUANIA

Session: D17S002 - Professional Well-Being & Career Sustainability 1
AUTHORS:
Butt Momina Khalid (Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Vilnius University ~ Vilnius ~ Lithuania) , Šalakaite Rasa (Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Vilnius University ~ Vilnius ~ Lithuania) , Grigutyte Neringa (Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Vilnius University ~ Vilnius ~ Lithuania) , Eimontas Jonas (Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Vilnius University ~ Vilnius ~ Lithuania)
Abstract text:
Introduction: Mental health professionals (MHPs) supporting war-affected refugees face a heightened risk of Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS). While quantitative studies increasingly document prevalence, less is known about how MHPs themselves experience and interpret the emotional and professional consequences of this work.
Purpose: This study examined how MHPs in Lithuania, themselves affected by Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS), made sense of their lived experiences of working directly with the war refugees
Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six MHPs including psychologists, social workers and volunteers who worked directly with war refugees. Participants were asked about their overall experience of work, most difficult challenged they faced and what helped them cope with challenges. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis in ATLAS.ti.
Results: Six major themes were identified. Emotional experiences encompassed general strain, difficult emotions, and lingering psychological impact that extended into daily life. Risk factors involved heavy workload, empathetic sensitivity, social isolation, and difficulty detaching from clients' stories. Coping tools included self-care, social support, professional training, and organizational resources. Negative consequences were reported as emotional exhaustion, psychological trauma, withdrawal, and burnout. Alongside these, participants also highlighted positive consequences such as a sense of purpose, personal growth, gratitude, and strengthened empathy. Finally, challenges of refugee work included systemic limitations, language barriers, and blurred professional emotional boundaries.
Conclusions: The findings illustrate While MHPs confront substantial emotional and professional strain, they also find meaning and growth in their work. By documenting these lived experiences in a Lithuanian context, the study advances understanding of STS in refugee mental health care and underscores the urgent need for organizational and systemic support to sustain this workforce.