In our previous exploration, we delved into the concepts of Love with Grit and Authentic Solidarity, as elucidated by Brett Feldman, Director and Co-Founder of the Division of Street Medicine as explained in the brilliant webinar titled, "Promoting Safety in Street Outreach" on the National Health Care for the Homeless Council’s website. Now, let’s navigate the potential challenges that threaten Authentic Solidarity and make Loving with Grit a formidable task. In the realm of occupational health and safety, mental health awareness among staff is gaining the attention it deserves. Don’t dismiss this article as irrelevant to your workplace just because your organization doesn't directly serve the homeless population; these concepts have broader applications, albeit to a less visible extent.
Solidarity Dissolvers
Solidarity dissolvers are the culprits behind interpersonal safety threats. Feldman outlines several mindsets contributing to this, including the culture of possession, burnout, moral injury, and Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSD). Let's dissect these mindsets:
Self-love/Self-righteousness: Displayed in statements like, “listen to me, I’m the doctor,” this mindset, irrespective of the profession, has the same detrimental effect.
Moral Licensing: Reflected in statements like, “I’ve cared for homeless people for 20 years, I know what they need before they do.”
Conscious Calmer: Recognized as self-dialogue, “I’ve offered help so many times. They are obviously not ready.” I recognized this one immediately as something I’ve said to myself.
Feldman explains that when the team is coming together with the person-served, it can get muddy as to whose goals are being achieved but, at the core, if the person-served is part of the team, it’s the team’s priorities, which is achieved through solidarity.
Culture of Possession
Another aspect dissolving solidarity and increasing safety risks is a culture of possession. Feldman frames this explicitly as a degradation of moral medicine, dehumanizing people to commodities. People can sense when they're being treated as commodities. This dehumanization occurs when individuals are viewed as:
Costing too much time, with appointments running long due to complex needs.
Leading to compassion fatigue/frustration, becoming the commodity they are costing you.
Cases to be managed, implying some lives are worth more than others, mirroring dynamics in various workplaces.
While compassion fatigue is a valid concern, it's crucial to understand it as a result of the systems we work in, rather than placing the burden solely on individuals.
Dissolvers in Action: Burnout, Moral Injury, and PTSD
Burnout stems from excessive demands on energy/resources, resulting in malaise, frustration, and cynicism. Our current culture of 'self-care' places the burden on the individual, leaving the oppressive system unchanged. It's like asking someone to “downward dog their way out of things,” as Barbara DiPietro aptly puts it.
PTSD differs from Moral Injury, arising from acute events, while moral injury occurs when we perpetuate, witness, or fail to prevent a threat to morality. This often happens when the person being served needs cannot be provided due to competing priorities within a flawed system. Recognizing our limited influence can help address moral injury with humility.
The Drive: Love, Justice, and Duty
Feldman concludes by revealing his motivation pyramid — love, justice, and duty. Where do you land? What drives you in life and work?
In my endeavours, I resonate with a comparable passion. While the notion of formulating safety protocols with love might appear unconventional, the essence of well-crafted safety initiatives lies in a foundation of love. It entails taking that leap into the metaphorical hole, defending what you cherish, and recognizing the inherent value in every life and profession. Your engagement with this article and contemplation of its essential philosophies are greatly appreciated. I trust you discovered meaningful insights during your invested time. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments, continuing the conversation. Your time and attention are sincerely valued, and I'm delighted to embark on this transformative journey alongside you.
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