Secondary traumatic stress is caused by hearing about the firsthand traumatic experiences of another individual.
Understanding Secondary Traumatic Stress
Secondary traumatic stress (STS) occurs when someone is exposed to the details of traumatic events experienced by another person. This exposure can lead to emotional distress and similar symptoms to those experienced by the primary trauma survivor. This is also sometimes referred to as vicarious trauma. It's important to understand that STS is not a sign of weakness but a normal reaction to hearing about distressing events.
How Exposure Leads to STS
- Empathy and Identification: When someone hears about a traumatic event, they naturally empathize with the victim. This emotional connection can lead to a sense of vicarious suffering.
- Details of Trauma: Hearing explicit details about a traumatic experience can be overwhelming. The more graphic and intense the details, the greater the potential impact.
- Frequency of Exposure: Repeated exposure to trauma stories can significantly increase the risk of developing STS.
- Role and Relationship: Individuals who work directly with trauma victims, such as therapists, social workers, and first responders, are particularly vulnerable to STS due to their continuous exposure.
- Personal Trauma History: People who have experienced trauma themselves might be more susceptible to developing STS because they may resonate more with the stories they hear.
Examples of Situations Leading to STS
| Situation | Individuals Potentially Affected |
|---|---|
| Listening to abuse stories | Therapists, social workers, teachers, family members |
| Hearing about violent acts | Law enforcement, medical professionals, journalists, friends |
| Exposure to natural disaster accounts | Relief workers, volunteers, emergency responders, community members |
| Observing aftermath of trauma | First responders, crisis counselors, support personnel |
Practical Insights and Solutions
Here are some ways to manage and mitigate the impact of secondary traumatic stress:
- Awareness: Recognize the signs of STS, such as fatigue, anxiety, emotional numbness, and difficulty concentrating.
- Self-Care: Implement regular self-care practices such as exercise, relaxation, hobbies, and adequate sleep.
- Set Boundaries: Create limits around exposure to traumatic material, both at work and in personal relationships.
- Professional Help: Seek counseling or therapy from professionals who are trained in trauma-related issues.
- Peer Support: Connect with colleagues or peers who have similar experiences for mutual support.
- Supervision: For professionals in helping roles, ensure that regular supervision is incorporated into practice.
- Mindfulness Practices: Engage in mindfulness exercises to stay grounded.
Impact of Trauma on Children
As highlighted in the reference, "each year more than 10 million children in the United States endure the trauma of abuse, violence, natural disasters, and other adverse events." Those who hear about or witness these situations involving children are particularly vulnerable to secondary traumatic stress.
