Common Signs That You Are Dealing With Vicarious Trauma (and How To Cope With It)

Vicarious trauma is the product of repeated exposure to other people’s trauma. It occurs when health care workers emulate the bio-psychosocial effects that victims of trauma display. This type of trauma builds up over time, and it is a cumulative transformation which directly impacts the physical and mental health of a health care worker. Over time, vicarious trauma can alter a worker’s character and beliefs. 

Vicarious trauma can affect anyone who regularly hears about another person’s trauma. This trauma can affect health care providers, law enforcement personnel, mental health clinicians, social workers and people who work in the court system. Your reaction to trauma and how you experience vicarious trauma depends on personality, personal experience, life stressors, social support, and spiritual resources.  

Risk Factors 

There are risk considerations that can increase your chances of experiencing vicarious trauma. Many former victims of trauma relive their traumatic experiences vicariously through the trauma patients in their care. A history of addiction, depression, or anxiety can increase your chances of vicarious trauma. Finally, you may have unresolved personal issues that predispose you to vicarious trauma.  

The Signs of Vicarious Trauma 

If you are currently treating or have recently cared for victims of traumatic events, you should watch for the following signs and symptoms: 

• Feelings of anger, rage, and sadness regarding your patient’s victimization 
• Emotional involvement with a patient 
• Bystander shame and guilt 
• Constant thinking about patients outside of work 
• Over identification with patients experiencing trauma 
• A loss of hope 
• Detaching and distancing yourself from patients 
• Failure to maintain professional boundaries 

Coping Strategies 

The key components of a vicarious trauma prevention strategy include an awareness of the factors that may increase the risk of vicarious trauma. It is critical that you are mindful of the early warning signs and individual predisposing factors. If you are in a direct care position, it is vital that you develop healthy coping strategies to help minimize the effects of vicarious trauma. Here are a few approaches that can help you cope with vicarious trauma: 

• Recognize and take note of your possible signs of vicarious trauma 
• Care for your emotional health through relaxing and self-soothing activities 
• Address your physical and mental well-being 
• Maintain outside interests and try to keep a healthy work/life balance 
• Avoid engaging in wishful thinking 
• Empower your patients with tools for self-care 
• Maintain a balanced caseload 
• Schedule regular breaks, and take time off when you need it 
• Get support from family members and colleagues 

As a caregiver, it is natural for you to strive to help others. It is also understandable that you hurt when others hurt. However, if you feel like caring for trauma victims is taking a toll on you, it is time to take action. If you want additional help or need more information about vicarious trauma, these resources can help you get started.  

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