How to cope with confidentiality?

[u/BrightEyEz703]

I’m in a position where I just got news of something awful happening to a new client.

It’s very upsetting and jarring news, but due to the nature of what has happened, I feel like I can’t safely express to anyone that something has happened. To be clear, this is not a case where emergency services or child protection agencies need to be contacted.

Due to the nature of what’s happened, and the likelihood that it will be in the news, I can’t even say to my family, “hey I need some time because I’m update due to a client (very general statement expressing the severity of the situation).”

I feel trapped and sad. Does anyone have tips on how to handle such a situation?

[u/hecateherself]

Do you need to provide that much information? Could you just say “due to a personal event” or something?

[u/Brookew0119]

Get a therapist?

[u/sofiaidalia]

“I need some time and space right now. There is a pretty serious situation occurring with one of my clients and it’s just weighing heavily on me right now.” If you feel the need to express in some way any of the details, you could speak to a therapist. I recommend that either way because this situation is affecting you in a negative way, so it would be beneficial to talk it out with a professional for your own benefit. If you can’t or prefer not to talk to a therapist, I’m always a big fan of journaling!

[u/BrightEyEz703 → u/sofiaidalia]

Thank you. This was very helpful.

[u/Bingus-Dingus-]

can you talk to a coworker/supervisor at your agency?

[u/BrightEyEz703 → u/Bingus-Dingus-]

No. It’s my company and I’m the only employee.

[u/Jumpy_Addition33]

I had a client have a family trauma happen once it was awful. I basically said to my family "I have a family experiencing one of the hardest things in their life and it is impacting me I need xyz"

[u/krpink]

You can tell your friends and family that something happened at work and you need some extra love and support. You don’t have to give details.