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Self-Care for Interpreters

Aug 21, 2023

Interpreting can be a very rewarding profession. However, there can be certain environments where it can be demanding and leave you feeling emotionally and physically exhausted.

Self-care is necessary for everyone to maintain their wellbeing. Wellbeing is known as a state of feeling good about ourselves and our lives. It includes our physical, mental, and spiritual health and ensures we have positive relationships with other people.

As with everyone, there are times in our lives where we are stressed, busy, caring for other people or experiencing difficult times.

If you are working in challenging situations, it is even more important to prioritise your self-care, otherwise there may be negative impact on your emotional wellbeing.

What is vicarious trauma?
According to Vicarious Trauma Institute, vicarious trauma is what happens to your neurological, physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual health when you listen to traumatic stories day after day or respond to traumatic situations while having to control your reaction.

It can be understood as absorbing another person’s or people’s trauma to an extent which significantly impacts on your health and wellbeing.

Like other professionals working in highly stressful situations or with victims of trauma, interpreters may experience feelings of anger, sadness, compassion fatigue, experience guilt and shame on behalf of the patient and have a strong desire to help the person. This reaction is normal.

What can I do to look after myself daily?
Here are a few things you can do to help maintain your wellbeing:
• Get plenty of sleep
• Eat well and drink lots of water
• Do not accept too many emotionally difficult jobs
• Meditate or practice mindfulness exercises
• Do some physical activity
• Take time to connect with family and friends
• Recognise the signs that you are stressed or not coping and seek help early.

What can I do before the job to help look after myself?
• Ask for relevant information before the job to help you prepare better, both linguistically and emotionally
• Let staff know on arrival if you need to leave by a certain time for another appointment
• Be aware of potential stressors or situations which may be re-traumatising for you. You have the right to refuse a job if it triggers adverse memories for you
• Recognise taboo subjects (for you) and areas where you believe your peace of mind may be compromised or impaired.

What can I do after the job to help look after myself?
• If you have the opportunity, talk to someone (e.g. a friend, a colleague, our Interpreter Bookings Consultants). Always ensure you do not share patient’s confidential information.
• Access counselling or other mental health support, e.g., through your local doctor


Acknowledgement. This document makes extensive use of the Fact Sheet developed by Metro South Health in partnership with Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre and Addiction & Mental Health Services, Metro South Health.

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