WHAT IS VICARIOUS TRAUMA?
Vicarious trauma occurs when you are exposed to other people’s trauma. For instance, watching family members crying on the news channel while waiting to see if their child survived or not. This may make you think of your family members and how would you feel in such a situation. One may begin to mirror those symptoms shown by victims of trauma and their relatives. This most frequently occurs when you are watching social media and news channels.
Vicarious trauma can also be an occupational side-effect for people who work and volunteer in victim services, emergency medical services, fire stations, and other allied professions. This is mainly due to their continuous exposure to victims of trauma and violence happening with or around them.
A person working with survivors of trauma and violence has the risk of being negatively impacted by the various effects of vicarious trauma. Factors that may make people vulnerable to this occupational risk may include
- Previous traumatic experiences
- a tendency of avoiding feelings, withdrawal
- Assign blame to others in situations that are stressful
- difficulty expressing emotions
- lack of preparation, training, orientation, and supervision in their jobs
- new employees and less experienced at their jobs;
- continuous and intense exposure to a trauma
COMMON NEGATIVE REACTIONS TO VICARIOUS TRAUMA
Every individual may experience the effects of vicarious trauma in a different way. Some of the potentially negative reactions may include
- difficulty managing and expressing feelings
- feeling numb or emotionally shut down
- fatigue, sleepiness, or insomnia;
- physical problems, such as aches, pains, and decreased resistance to any illness
- being easily distracted easily
- loss of a sense of life’s meaning or feeling of hopelessness about the future
- feeling vulnerable or worrying too much about loved ones’ safety and security
- irritability; explosive, aggressive, or violent behavior
- destructive coping or addictive behavior
- loss of interest in every activity that was enjoyed previously
- avoiding social interactions
- a combination of symptoms may be diagnosed as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
TIPS TO MANAGE VICARIOUS TRAUMA
If you are struggling with vicarious trauma. Here are a few tips to manage the symptoms of vicarious trauma
- Limit the usage of news channels and social media
- Pray, practice mindfulness, and try deep breathing
- Spend time in the nature
- Get a good and sound sleep for at least 6-8 hours
- Socialize with your friends and family
- Describe and name your feelings, e.g.: you are sad or overwhelmed or numb
- Seek professional help. Consult a therapist.
