Case Vignette
Alex, a 28-year-old content moderator, has been working in the Trust & Safety team for 18 months. Initially proud of his
role in protecting users, he has increasingly struggled with the emotional and psychological impact of his work.
As a child, Alex experienced significant bullying at school, which left him feeling isolated and vulnerable.
Alex reports symptoms consistent with vicarious trauma, including intrusive thoughts, hyperarousal, and avoidance
behaviors related to the distressing content encountered daily. Accompanying these symptoms are flashbacks not only
to the content but also to his experiences of bullying, reinforcing a core belief that “the world is a dangerous place.”
Moreover, Alex has begun experiencing symptoms suggestive of depression, such as persistent sadness, a loss of
interest in previously enjoyed activities, and significant weight changes. He also discloses a history of mild anxiety from
early adulthood, which has exacerbated since starting his current role.
Despite these challenges, Alex has never worked with a therapist or mental health practitioner before, partly due to the
stigma of mental health issues within his cultural context. He expresses fear of judgment both from his family and within
his community, complicating his willingness to seek support.
Alex has a supportive partner but has increasingly found himself withdrawing from this relationship and others, citing a
sense of detachment and a desire not to “burden” others with his problems. He also mentions relying on alcohol more
frequently to “wind down” after shifts, which is starting to worry him.
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Question 1: Personal reflection and professional experience
● Reflect on a time when you worked with a client exhibiting symptoms of vicarious trauma or
significant work-related stress. Without breaching confidentiality, describe the approach you took
to assess and address their needs. How did your intervention evolve based on the client’s
response?
Question 2: Ethical considerations
● Discuss an ethical dilemma you have faced in your practice related to client care, particularly in
situations involving complex mental health issues like those described in Alex’s case. How did you
navigate this dilemma, and what ethical principles guided your decision-making process?
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Alex, a 28-year-old content moderator, has been working in the Tru appeared first on Scholars Hub Blog.
