Secondary Trauma vs Vicarious Trauma

Comparing Vicarious Trauma And Secondary Trauma

Indirect trauma exposure can have effects similar to those associated with direct trauma. If you have been exposed to other people’s trauma, you might develop symptoms identical or nearly identical to those who have been through a traumatic event themselves.

In discussions about indirect trauma, you might hear two terms: secondary trauma vs. vicarious trauma. So, what’s the difference? Perhaps more importantly, what can you do about vicarious or secondary trauma symptoms?

If your mental health is affected by indirect exposure to trauma, you aren’t alone. Persons impacted by vicarious trauma and secondary trauma must have the mental health resources they need. That’s where Catalina Behavioral Health comes in.

We provide effective trauma treatment, which can help those experiencing vicarious and secondary trauma. Let’s define secondary vs. vicarious trauma first. Then, we’ll discuss who is at risk, the possible implications of indirect trauma, and treatment.

Secondary Trauma vs Vicarious Trauma

Sometimes, people use the terms secondary trauma and vicarious trauma interchangeably. However, some nuances separate the two.

Secondary trauma refers to the distress that occurs when people are exposed to the traumatic experiences of others. This exposure might happen through:

• Witnessing a traumatic event (e.g., watching someone get attacked).
• Hearing detailed accounts of traumatic events.
• Working with people who have been through traumatic events.
• Being exposed to graphic media showcasing traumatic events.

Vicarious trauma (VT) refers to harmful changes in a professional’s view of themselves, others, and the world. These changes result from the exposure to information about a client’s traumatic experiences.

Who is at Risk of Secondary Traumatic Stress?

If you’ve had indirect trauma exposure, you can develop secondary traumatic stress. Still, some people are at a higher risk than others. Here are some examples of groups who may be more prone to secondary traumatic stress and its effects.

• Persons with certain careers (e.g., therapists, nurses, social workers, emergency responders, and journalists) are at a disproportionately high risk of secondary traumatic stress.
• People close to those who have experienced trauma. For example, spouses, parents, and close relatives or friends.

If vicarious or secondary trauma affects you, you deserve to get help for it. Secondary traumatic stress can take a toll on all parts of your life and well-being. Seeking support sooner rather than later can help you avoid further consequences.

The Effects of Secondary Traumatic Stress

The effects of secondary traumatic stress are very similar to those seen in people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who have experienced an event themselves. Possible consequences of secondary traumatic stress include, but aren’t limited to:

• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Maladaptive coping strategies. For example, substance abuse.
• Negative emotions, such as guilt, feelings of inadequacy, and anger.
• Changes in work performance.
• Avoidance behaviors.
• Excessive worry.
• Social withdrawal.
• Hypervigilance.

It is important to remember that you can develop PTSD after witnessing a traumatic event or being exposed to someone else’s trauma. It does not have to have happened to you directly.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), people can develop PTSD after directly experiencing, witnessing, learning about, or being exposed to details about traumatic experiences.

Identifying PTSD symptoms in yourself can be a crucial first step toward seeking treatment.

Physical Health and Indirect Trauma

When you have repeated exposure to others’ traumatic events, you may experience emotional fatigue and psychological distress. However, physical health effects can emerge, too.

Repeated exposure to traumatic events can create an ongoing stress response in the body. Examples of physical symptoms you might experience include gastrointestinal problems (e.g., heartburn, ulcers), frequent headaches, and rashes.

Some people also display symptoms like aches, pains, and decreased resilience to illness. Chronic pain and related concerns can be prevalent in people with PTSD.

Compassion Fatigue and Trauma Exposure

Sometimes, compassion fatigue can pair with secondary trauma. Persons in helping professions, such as therapists, nurses, counselors, and social workers, are at risk of compassion fatigue. This is likely due to the amount of human suffering seen at work.

If you have compassion fatigue, you might notice signs such as:

• Reduced feelings of empathy and sensitivity.
• Feeling powerless or helpless in the face of other people’s suffering.
• Becoming overwhelmed or exhausted by demands at work.
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions.
• Neglecting your own self-care.

As you might imagine, these symptoms have the potential to affect not only you, but those around you. This can include people under your care. Appropriate support can help you overcome compassion fatigue.

Adverse Effects of Secondary Trauma in the Workplace

Research on secondary trauma among medical and mental health professionals shows that it can have negative effects on functioning in the workplace. These include, but aren’t limited to:

• Higher rates of absenteeism.
• Impaired judgment.
• Lower productivity and work quality.
• Reduced employee retention and increased turnover rate.

Secondary trauma is treatable. In some cases, vicarious trauma and secondary trauma can even be prevented. Organizational changes like modifications to workloads and talking about trauma openly in the workplace can be helpful.

While these changes might not always be in your control, seeking help is.

The Importance of Professional Support for Vicarious and Secondary Trauma

Seeking professional support for vicarious and secondary trauma matters. It can help you preserve your mental health, physical well-being, and work performance. Therapy can also support healthy personal relationships, which can be negatively affected by vicarious trauma.

Treatments used for secondary traumatic stress may include but aren’t limited to:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
• Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT).
• Prolonged exposure therapy.
• Creative therapies (e.g., art therapy).
• Mindfulness-based interventions.
• Peer support.

Catalina Behavioral Health uses a combination of effective therapies for trauma and mental health. We work with people from all walks of life. This includes those affected by secondary traumatic stress and vicarious trauma.

Inpatient and outpatient programs are available at our center. We’re here to get to know you and personalize your care so that it fits your needs and helps you meet your unique goals.

Self-Care in Recovery

Practicing self-care is key for those navigating vicarious and secondary trauma. If you are experiencing secondary traumatic stress symptoms, here are some things you can do. These can also aid in the prevention of new or worsened symptoms.

• Use good sleep hygiene practices. For example, removing electronics from your bedroom, keeping your room cool and dark, and winding down before you go to sleep. This can help you get enough rest, which is critical for mental and physical health.
• Set workplace boundaries. Health care professionals and others at risk of vicarious traumatization in the workplace may benefit from workplace boundaries. Use time management skills and make sure that you have time for yourself.
• Employ healthy coping strategies. For example, physical activity, journaling, yoga, meditation, breathwork, and positive self-talk.
• Seek support from others. We all need support systems. Therapy gives you a confidential place to talk about what’s on your mind. Your support system might include a therapist, support group members, family, friends, or romantic partners.

The team of experts at Catalina Behavioral Health provide trauma-informed, person-centered care. We are here to help you find long-term solutions for indirect trauma exposure.

Call Catalina Behavioral Health to Seek Support for Trauma and Mental Health

Catalina Behavioral Health is a leading mental health and addiction treatment provider in Arizona. If you have been affected by vicarious or secondary trauma, we are here to help you heal and establish a stable foundation for coping with trauma exposure moving forward.

Our programs are covered by most forms of insurance. The full continuum of care offered at our facility means that you can choose the level of care you need. This includes outpatient programs, which make it possible to balance responsibilities like work with therapy.

Please call Catalina Behavioral Health to learn more about our team of medical and mental health professionals can support you.

FAQs About Secondary vs Vicarious Trauma

What is vicarious trauma?

Vicarious trauma refers to a type of indirect trauma. Hearing traumatic stories or exposure to difficult or disturbing images are two examples of vicarious trauma. You may be at risk of developing vicarious trauma if you hear about traumatic events regularly.

What triggers vicarious trauma?

Indirect exposure to any traumatic event can trigger symptoms associated with vicarious trauma. For example, domestic violence, severe illness, and natural disasters.

What is the definition of secondary traumatic stress?

Secondary traumatic stress, or STS, is a syndrome that describes the psychological and physiological reactions a person might have following secondary exposure to traumatic experiences. Secondary exposure is also called indirect exposure.

What is another name for secondary trauma?

Second-hand trauma is another name for secondary trauma. You might hear these terms used interchangeably.

What are the risk factors for vicarious traumatization?

Chronic exposure is a risk factor for vicarious traumatization. For example, therapists are repeatedly exposed to traumatic experiences. This explains their risk of VT. Lack of social support is another risk factor.

How do you identify secondary traumatization?

Tools like the secondary traumatic stress scale can help professionals identify secondary traumatization. Often, this is the first step toward treatment.

What are the three types of trauma?

The three main types of trauma are acute, chronic, and complex trauma.

Is compassion fatigue the same as burnout?

No. Compassion fatigue is not the same as burnout. However, you can experience compassion fatigue and burnout at the same time, and they can go together. Both compassion fatigue and burnout are common among healthcare workers.

References

1. (PDF) vicarious traumatization and secondary traumatic stress: A research synthesis. (n.d.-w).
2. Va.gov: Veterans Affairs. PTSD and DSM-5. (2013, June 6).
3. Vicarious trauma in mental health care providers – sciencedirect. (n.d.-ai).
4. The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit: What is vicarious trauma?: OVC. Office for Victims of Crime. (n.d.).
5. American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Apa PsycNet. American Psychological Association.
6. Vicarious trauma in mental health care providers – sciencedirect. (n.d.-ai).
7. Va.gov: Veterans Affairs. Self Assessment Other Tools. (2018, September 25).
8. Jae, S. (2024, October 23). Analyzing the different types of trauma and their impact on Mental Health. Neuropsychiatry.