Strength & Solidarity 56. Burn-out: the downward spiral harming a whole field
Jul 3, 2025
Trine Christensen, a trauma-informed coach and former Secretary General of Amnesty Denmark, dives deep into the escalating crisis of burnout in the human rights sector. She discusses the psychological toll of vicarious trauma and moral injury, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic change and better mental health support. Trine shares her personal journey with burnout, advocating for a human-centered approach in advocacy. The conversation also highlights the critical balance between individual accountability and organizational support in fostering a healthier work culture.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Rising Crisis and Stress Levels
- The human rights field faces unprecedented stress from worsening crises and shrinking funds.
- This creates a logical increase in burnout and pressure on workers.
Tireless Activist Myth
- The myth of the tireless activist causes constant overactivation of stress responses.
- This leads to hypervigilance and compassion fatigue without enough rest.
Impact of Vicarious Trauma
- Vicarious trauma arises from constant exposure to others' suffering.
- Our brains respond as if we face direct danger, causing a chronic threat state.