Secondary trauma, also known as vicarious trauma or compassion fatigue, is the emotional and psychological stress that results from exposure to traumatic events experienced by others. It can occur in individuals who work in helping professions, such as therapists, social workers, or first responders, or in individuals who have close relationships with trauma survivors.

Secondary trauma, also known as vicarious trauma, is a type of trauma that can occur when someone is repeatedly exposed to traumatic events through their work or close relationships with individuals who have experienced trauma. The symptoms of secondary trauma can vary, but may include:

 

  • Emotional exhaustion: feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or emotionally drained.
  • Difficulty sleeping or nightmares: trouble falling or staying asleep, or waking up frequently during the night.
  • Intrusive thoughts: experiencing unwanted and distressing thoughts or memories related to traumatic events.
  • Avoidance behavior: avoiding situations, people, or places that may trigger thoughts or memories of trauma.
  • Hypervigilance: feeling constantly on guard or alert, or experiencing physical symptoms of anxiety such as sweating, racing heartbeat, or trembling.
  • Compassion fatigue: feeling a lack of empathy or caring towards others, especially those who have experienced trauma.
  • Physical symptoms: headaches, stomach aches, and other physical symptoms may also occur as a result of secondary trauma.


It's important for individuals in helping professions to take steps to prevent and manage secondary trauma, such as engaging in self-care activities, seeking support from colleagues or a therapist, and practicing stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness or exercise.