Secondary Traumatic Stress: Understanding and Coping with the Impact of Others' Trauma
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Secondary traumatic stress, also known as vicarious trauma or compassion fatigue, occurs when individuals indirectly experience the emotional and psychological distress of others. This can happen in various professions where individuals are regularly exposed to the traumatic experiences of those they support or care for, such as healthcare professionals, social workers, therapists, first responders, and those in similar roles.
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Constant exposure to others' trauma can lead to a range of challenges, including emotional exhaustion, a reduced sense of personal accomplishment, and an overall decline in mental well-being. In situations involving crisis or significant hardship, individuals in these helping professions can experience secondary traumatic stress as a result of witnessing or hearing about the suffering of others.
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Understanding the impact of secondary traumatic stress is crucial for implementing effective support systems and coping strategies to maintain the well-being of those in these roles. While secondary traumatic stress presents challenges, individuals can proactively engage in various self-initiated and person-centred strategies to mitigate its effects. Cultivating mindfulness practices, maintaining open communication with trusted colleagues or supervisors, and participating in regular debriefing or support groups can aid in processing and managing the emotional burden of secondary traumatic stress.
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By combining self-initiated practices with seeking external support when needed, individuals can foster emotional resilience and continue their vital work with compassion and effectiveness. Remember, prioritizing your own well-being is essential for sustained personal and professional success.
Ways of Identifying Secondary Traumatic Stress
It is crucial to recognize the onset of secondary traumatic stress to uphold personal health and well-being. Individuals may manifest varying degrees of susceptibility and display disparate indicators. The manifestations of secondary traumatic stress can diverge significantly among individuals, akin to the personalized nature of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis.
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Hypervigilance
Worrying intensely or having recurring thoughts.
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Increasing agitation
More easily losing patience and snapping at others.
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Nightmares
Waking from dreams with intense dread and fear.
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Loss of pleasure
Lacking interest in once-favorite activities or hobbies.
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Changes in sleep patterns
Sleeping too much or too little.
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Somatic conditions
Having a physical response (pain, weakness) to distress.
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Changes in appertite
Eating to much or too little.
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Inability to do work
Struggling to perform tasks and handle responsibilities.
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New anxieties or fears
Suddenly being afraid of the familiar.
How to Manage Secondary Traumatic Stress
There is a critical necessity to remain attentive to the presence of Secondary Traumatic Stress and to actively seek out indicators of potential risk.
A pivotal element in this regard is self-awareness, denoting the introspective process of identifying personal triggers and precursory indicators of mental distress.
In facilitating this introspective process, it is recommended that HAWs seek mental health support, avail themselves of the support of colleagues or other professionals in the field, and foster deeper connections with loved ones to address challenges. It is worth noting that effective coping mechanisms are subject to individual variation.
Useful Media
Additional Resources
Toolkits, Factsheets, and Guides
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Vicarious Trauma information sheet: FD Consultants
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What Is STS?, STS ConsortiumExternal link: Venn diagram tool to help identify personal strengths and stressors.
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Secondary Traumatic Stress, The Administration for Children and Families: information and intervention strategies from a Department of Health and Human Services division.
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Vicarious Trauma Fact Sheet No. 9, American Counseling Association (PDF, 102 KB): information from the professional organization for counsellors.
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Vicarious Trauma Toolkit, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies: tools to help raise awareness about the effects of vicarious trauma after a critical incident and provide trauma-informed support to help responders as they tend to others’ needs.
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What Is Vicarious Trauma?, The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit, Office for Victims of Crime: indicators, advice, and guidance for law enforcement and first responders.
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​Organisations and Websites
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The American Institute of Stress: self-assessment, webinars, podcast series, and more from this nonprofit organization.
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The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: STS resources for helpers from an organization that serves traumatized children, their families, and communities.
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Secondary Traumatic Stress Innovations and Solutions Center, Center on Trauma and Children: screeners, podcasts, and other material for the workforce helping children and families address child abuse and trauma.
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Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) Consortium: hub of information gathered by and for researchers, trainers, practitioners, and advocates to advance the field of secondary traumatic stress toward health.
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*Citation for this content: Counseling@Northwestern, the Online Master of Arts in Counseling Program from The Family Institute at Northwestern University.