Whether it be images of war, people buried under the rubble of an earthquake, viral clips of police brutality, or stories told by our elders, traumatic experiences are all around us. Even when we don’t experience the trauma first-hand, we can be significantly impacted by it vicariously.
Vicarious trauma, also known as secondary trauma or compassion fatigue, refers to the emotional and psychological stress that results from hearing about or witnessing traumatic events experienced by others, such as clients, patients, or victims of violence, abuse, or disaster. It can affect professionals who work in helping or healing roles, such as therapists, counselors, social workers, doctors, nurses, emergency responders, journalists, or activists, as well as their family members and loved ones. But it can also affect ordinary folks who are exposed to the traumatic experiences of others.
Personally, I have experienced vicarious trauma in four main ways in my life. One, by hearing the traumatic life stories of certain families members. Two, through my work as a physician, when interacting with patients regarding their own trauma. Three, when doing relief work overseas with refugees and survivors of various trauma-inducing experiences. Four, by viewing images of death and destruction from all over the world through media.
Vicarious trauma can manifest in various symptoms, including anxiety, depression, irritability, numbness, detachment, guilt, shame, sleep disturbances, physical pain, or substance abuse. It can also lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, or secondary traumatic stress, which can impair one’s ability to provide effective care or support to others and to take care of oneself.
It is important for those who are exposed to vicarious trauma to recognize the signs and symptoms, seek professional help if needed, and practice self-care and stress-management techniques to mitigate the impact of trauma exposure.
To prevent or decrease it the impact of vicarious trauma, we can: minimize exposures, take breaks, prioritize self care, and have mindful intention by taking the time to pause and think about purpose in what we do.
How to treat it if it occurs: Exercise, rest and relax, sleep, prayer, mindfulness, nature, outdoors, connect with others, seek help and support, talk about your feelings with those who can support you, celebrate your work.
Treatment for vicarious trauma usually involves a combination of self-care strategies, personal support, and organizational interventions.
- Self-care can include engaging in religious practices, regular exercise, adequate sleep, healthy diet, practicing mindfulness or meditation, spending time in nature, connecting with loved ones, and pursuing hobbies or activities that bring joy and meaning.
- Support might be talking about your feelings with those who can offer support or seeking professional help from a therapist or other clinician.
- Celebrating your work helps to realize the positive impact you are making, can renew your energy, and refocus your efforts.
Vicarious trauma is often a normal response to what you’ve witnessed, even though second-hand. It is not a sign of weakness, nor should it be minimized because you believe someone else’s trauma is greater or more important. You feeling traumatized by someone else’s experience doesn’t make their trauma less significant. Trauma can come in many forms and ways, and can look and feel differently for different individuals.
