What is Secondhand Trauma?
Secondary trauma, also known as vicarious trauma, secondhand trauma or compassion fatigue, occurs when individuals are repeatedly exposed to the traumatic experiences of others. Professionals in direct service industries, such as doctors, nurses, EMTs, firefighters, police officers, social workers and therapists, are more likely to experience this than others. While they do not directly experience the trauma themselves, their consistent interaction with trauma survivors can lead to symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Some common traumas include hearing/seeing details of:
Sexual assault
Domestic abuse
Car accidents
Natural disasters
War or terrorist attacks
Gun violence or mass shootings
Self-harm and suicide attempts
Medical emergencies
High levels of empathy and emotional investment in others' well-being can also heighten the risk of absorbing their emotional pain. A lack of clear emotional boundaries between personal and professional life further increases vulnerability, as does working in high-pressure, high-trauma environments like emergency rooms or disaster response.
How Can You Cope with Secondary Trauma?
Coping with secondary trauma involves a mix of self-care, professional support, and practical strategies.
Seek professional help: Trauma-informed therapy can help process emotions and manage stress.
Establish boundaries: Setting emotional limits can protect you from absorbing too much of others’ trauma.
Practice self-care: Engaging in regular activities like mindfulness, exercise, or hobbies can help prevent burnout.
Peer support: Talking to those who understand your challenges can provide validation and relief.
Debriefing: Regular debriefing sessions can help process difficult experiences, especially in high-stress environments.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Secondhand Trauma?
Secondary trauma can manifest in both emotional and physical ways. Common signs and symptoms include:
Anxiety, sadness, or irritability
Hypervigilance or over-alertness to danger
Sleep disturbances, such as nightmares or insomnia
Fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, or increased frequency of illness due to weakened immune system
Difficulty concentrating or feeling disconnected
Compassion fatigue - a sense of emotional numbness or depletion of empathy
What Can Direct Service Organizations Do to Help Their Staff?
It is important that direct service organizations support their workers who may be experiencing secondary trauma by implementing trauma-informed policies and practices. Providing access to trauma-specialized therapists and encouraging regular mental health check-ins creates a supportive work environment. Regular debriefing sessions after traumatic events and offering flexible schedules or "mental health days" allow employees to process emotions and recharge, reducing the risk of burnout.
Can You Get Secondary Trauma from Being Exposed to Certain Videos or Imagery on Social Media?
Yes, repeated exposure to distressing videos or images on social media can lead to secondary trauma. Content such as footage of war, mass shootings, abuse, or natural disasters can trigger emotional distress. Social media often exposes users to traumatic content with little or no warning, making it difficult to maintain boundaries.
When Should I Seek Support for Second Hand Trauma?
Seek support if you experience ongoing emotional, physical, or mental distress, such as:
Anxiety, panic attacks, or depression
Intrusive thoughts or nightmares about others' trauma
Emotional numbness or disconnection from loved ones
Difficulty concentrating at work or in daily life
Unexplained physical exhaustion or illness
If these symptoms persist for weeks or disrupt your life, seeking help from a trauma-informed therapist is crucial.
How Can Setting Boundaries in My Professional Life Help with Second Hand Trauma?
Setting emotional and time boundaries is critical in managing secondary trauma. Establishing emotional boundaries helps you recognize when to say "no" to taking on additional burdens and prevents the urge to constantly fix others' problems, protecting your well-being. Time boundaries are equally important—disconnecting from work after hours and avoiding work-related emails ensures proper rest and recovery. Sharing responsibilities in high-stress environments can prevent any single person from bearing the emotional weight alone.
What Are Treatment Options and Resources for Secondhand Trauma?
Treatment options for second hand trauma can include:
Trauma-informed therapy: Working with a therapist who specializes in trauma will provide you with coping strategies and help you process emotions safely.
Support groups: Joining a peer support group where you can share your experiences with others in similar situations can offer validation and reduce feelings of isolation.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Practices such as meditation, yoga, or breathwork can help reduce stress and bring emotional balance.
Self-care plans: Building a personalized self-care routine that includes regular physical activity, hobbies, and downtime can mitigate the effects of secondary trauma.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many organizations offer EAPs that provide counseling, mental health resources, or referrals for employees experiencing emotional distress.
In conclusion, secondary trauma is a serious yet often overlooked consequence of being exposed to the traumatic experiences of others. Whether in direct service roles or through personal relationships, individuals can absorb emotional distress that mirrors the effects of PTSD.
Recognizing the signs, setting boundaries, and seeking professional support are critical steps to protecting your mental and emotional well-being. By centering self-care, open communication, and supportive workplace environments, both individuals and organizations can better manage the impact of secondary trauma. Remember, prioritizing your mental health is not only essential for your well-being but also so you can continue to effectively support others.