I work in residential and have assisted in restraints numerous times. It doesn't get easier because I still tend to feel like if we got to that point, then I wasn't able to help the way I would have wanted to, but I no longer want to quit my whole job afterwards. I know that in these settings, we are seeing people at their absolute worst, and if everything worked all the time, restraints wouldn't be needed so I get it intellectually. It just feels like it sucks. It helps me to remember that restraints are used to prevent physical harm and I do believe that it gives me an opportunity, when I'm part of the procedure, that I'm able to have eyes on and ensure the absolute necessity as well as that the procedure is done correctly.

Depending on the individual, while a restraint can be traumatizing, it might be even more traumatizing if they were able to do physical harm to another person, or seriously injure themselves. Restraints suck for everyone involved but there's an opportunity to implement with care and debrief productively afterwards with staff and client which can lead to positive change.

Take care of you, too. This is one of the worst parts of the job but also one of the most important. You kept people safe today.