What is Vicarious Trauma and How to Manage it

If you're a first responder, frontline workers, counselor, clergy, healthcare worker, you encounter trauma every day at work. Your empathy is what enables you to care for people in dire situations. But being exposed to others' trauma daily can be a heavy weight to carry. The impact is called vicarious trauma. But what exactly is "vicarious trauma?" This blog will explain vicarious trauma and how you can manage it.

Vicarious trauma is the stress and emotional exhaustion that comes from caring for other people who have experienced trauma. Vicarious trauma is similar to secondary trauma, in that it doesn't stem from directly experiencing the trauma. It can happen if you are privy to someone else's story of a traumatic event, or from repeatedly witnessing traumatic events happening to other people.

Signs you may be experiencing vicarious trauma:

Responses to vicarious trauma vary from person to person, but some common signs include:

● Mood disturbances like sadness, depression, anxiety, or anger

● Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

● Feeling stressed or irritable for seemingly "no reason"

● A sense of alienation--this can look like having trouble getting along with family
members, friends, or strangers

● Easily being startled or feeling tense often

How to manage vicarious trauma-

Vicarious trauma is a natural response to frequent and repeated exposure to others' traumatic events. It's important not to ignore your vicarious trauma. It's a risk factor for burnout, which can cause you to provide poor care and even harm your patients or clients.

You deserve to be cared for the way you care for others. If you think you may be experiencing vicarious trauma, reach out to a professional. Look for a therapist who practices a trauma-informed approach and who specializes in counseling other helping professionals. You don't have to manage vicarious trauma alone.