Secondary and Vicarious Trauma

Taking care of those who have suffered traumatic events can take its toll on the caregiver, physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. For those whose profession requires empathic responses and supports for vulnerable and traumatized individuals on a daily basis, this can lead caring professionals to develop secondary or vicarious traumatic stress.

If left unchecked, secondary traumatic stress can lead to compassion fatigue and ultimately burnout, causing professionals to leave their place of work or field entirely.

Studies show that from 6% to 26% of therapists working with traumatized populations, and up to 50% of child welfare workers, are at high risk of secondary traumatic stress or the related conditions of PTSD and vicarious trauma. (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)

Vicarious or Secondary Trauma –Traumatic Stress behaviors and emotions resulting from internalizing events experienced by another.
Compassion Fatigue – Fatigue, emotional distress, or apathy resulting from constant demands of caring for others. The weariness that comes from caring.
Burnout – Physical and emotional exhaustion that may include a negative self-concept and job attitudes, a loss of concern and feeling for others. High levels of compassion fatigue may lead to burnout.

What Secondary Stress Looks Like

Physical Symptoms:

Sleep disturbances
Change in appetite
Increased drug/alcohol consumption
Impaired immune system
Low energy
Exhaustion
Fatigue, aches & pains

Behavioral Symptoms:

Tardiness
Absenteeism
Absentmindedness
Decrease in quality & quantity of work
Lower motivation
Increased mistakes
Poor Judgment

Cognitive Symptoms:

Diminished concentration
Loss of focus
Loss of Interest
Self-doubt – Decrease in Confidence
Perfectionism
Difficulty with decisions
Poor Judgment
Hyper-vigilance

World-View Symptoms:

(Losing your sense of connection to something bigger than yourself)

Overwhelming Feelings of the Unfairness of Life
Feeling a Lack of Support from Others
Anger at Higher Power
Questioning Your Own Beliefs
Loss of Sense of Purpose

Interpersonal Symptoms:

(All our relationships can be affected – at home and at school.)

Withdrawal from Colleagues and Loved Ones
Mistrust
Intolerance
Feelings of Loneliness
Poor Communication leading to Conflicts
Decreased quality of relationships

Emotional Symptoms:

Anxiety
Guilt
Irritability and/or Anger
Sadness
Loss of empathy
Hopelessness
Depression
Emotional shutdown

Strategies to Reduce Negative Impacts of Secondary Trauma

For yourself:

There are many aspects to self-care including physical, emotional, psychological, professional, personal and spiritual. Click on the Self-care Resource to learn more.

For your organization:

Develop a staff wellness committee that’s representative of all levels of leadership in your office
Develop and share a staff wellness plan collaboratively with staff
Demonstrate leadership level buy in and commitment to self care and emotional wellness
Build in time during the work day for staff reflection, mindfulness or brain breaks
Create a “peace corner” or safe space for staff to self regulate their emotions and create a sense of calm
Teach and coach emotional regulation skills
Promote access to emotional and mental health services (through
Employee Assistance Program or other resources)
Consider shifting “sick “days to “mental wellness” days