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March 2, 2022Secondary Trauma: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment
Many people experience trauma that leaves behind a severe psychological scar. Although some people manage to heal soon after enduring events like natural disasters, the death of a loved one, a near-death experience, or sexual assault, others are unable to move on and instead develop a condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although PTSD is most often associated with the lingering effects of trauma, there’s another condition known as secondary trauma that could occur to people who don’t experience these things directly.
What Is Secondary Trauma?
Otherwise known as compassion fatigue, second-hand PTSD, and secondary traumatic stress disorder, secondary trauma refers to a form of distress or trauma that’s experienced indirectly by hearing details of or witnessing the aftermath of a traumatic experience by another person. The term secondary traumatic stress disorder was a concept developed by trauma specialists Beth Stamm, Charles Figley, and others in the early 1990s to better understand and explain why service providers exhibited symptoms of PTSD without having experienced trauma first-hand.
Secondary trauma is especially common among various professionals who work with people who have experienced trauma, including physicians, psychotherapists, human service workers, and first responders. Moreover, the terms vicarious traumatization and secondary traumatic stress are often used interchangeably.
Vicarious trauma is the process of change that results from frequent exposure to or engagement with trauma survivors. In other words, a person who interacts with survivors of traumatic experiences – such as doctors or first responders – may experience a significant change in their morals and beliefs because of listening to trauma survivors’ stories.
Common causes of secondary traumatic stress disorder include exposure to details of other traumatic events experienced by others, such as:
- Sexual assault
- Physical assault
- Child abuse or neglect
- Motor vehicle accident
- Natural disasters (e.g., flood, hurricane, tornado)
- Terrorist attack
- Torture
- A violent or gruesome death
- Near-death experience
- Combat or war atrocities
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Primary vs. Secondary Trauma
Direct or primary trauma refers to a traumatic event that occurs directly to the individual. For instance, a paramedic may experience direct trauma after he’s called to a horrific car accident. The person in the car crash may also experience direct trauma because of the incident.
On the other hand, secondary trauma is indirect exposure to trauma and often occurs in professionals who work in high-stress or trauma-exposed fields, including child abuse investigators, prosecutors, judges, therapists, health care professionals, first responders, and others. Secondary trauma can also occur in civilians or people who do not have high-trauma careers but are deeply impacted by stories they’re exposed to, such as watching graphic news accounts or listening to their friend’s story of a traumatic experience.
Secondary Trauma Symptoms & Signs
People with secondary traumatic stress may experience symptoms like those of PTSD, sometimes to the point where the individual is diagnosed with PTSD. However, while secondary trauma symptoms are like PTSD symptoms, the average person may only experience one of the latter.
With that said, common secondary traumatic stress disorder symptoms include:
- Unwanted and painful memories of the event/story
- Dreams or flashbacks of the event/story
- Avoidance of things that remind you of the traumatic event/story
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Frequent emotional outbursts
- Engaging in self-destructive and reckless behavior (such as substance abuse)
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep problems
- Easily startled or jumpy
A person with secondary traumatic stress disorder may also experience changes in areas like their sense of safety, their ability to trust others, their self-esteem, their intimacy, and their self-control as a result of vicarious trauma. Compassion fatigue is also a consequence of secondary trauma and is characterized by physical and mental exhaustion and loss of empathy for others.
Compassion fatigue occurs as a result of the ongoing demands of being compassionate and helpful to others who are suffering, which brings us to burnout. Burnout refers to the emotional and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged work-related stress (and not just exposure to secondary trauma.)
A person with burnout may feel mentally and physically drained, become irritable, and develop negative attitudes towards their clients/patients. Considering the mental stress that this can cause and the impact it can have on a professional’s ability to carry out their tasks properly, having a solid grasp on what secondary traumatic stress is, becomes necessary. It helps when offering professionals, who are frequently exposed to trauma victims, the PTSD treatment they need, as well.
How Do Negative Thoughts Impact Mental Health, Stress Levels, and Physical Health?
Negative thoughts can profoundly affect various aspects of a person's wellbeing, including mental health, stress levels, and physical health. When individuals frequently engage in negative thinking, they can experience a range of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. This pattern of thinking can trigger a heightened stress response in the body, complicating this further.
Over time, high stress levels can lead to more severe physical health problems. These might include heart disease, diabetes, and a weakened immune system. Additionally, when caught in the web of negative thinking, individuals may begin to act in ways that confirm their fears, thus perpetuating a cycle of negativity that can be challenging to escape. This cycle not only underscores but potentially accelerates the adverse effects on both mental and physical health.
When Should One Consider Seeking Support If Struggling With Negative Thought Patterns?
When to Seek Support for Negative Thought Patterns
Recognizing the right time to seek help if you're grappling with negative thought patterns can significantly enhance your mental health. Here are some clear indicators that you might need professional support:
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Persistent Negativity: If, despite trying various self-help techniques, you find that your negative thoughts persist, it may be time to consult a professional. When self-efforts like mindfulness, journaling, or positive affirmations don't lead to improvements, professional guidance could offer a new perspective.
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Impact on Daily Functioning: When your negative thoughts begin to interfere with your daily life—impacting work, relationships, or personal happiness—it indicates the need for professional intervention. This is particularly key if these thoughts generate feelings of hopelessness or helplessness.
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Exploring Underlying Issues: A therapist or mental health professional can assist in uncovering deeper issues contributing to these thought patterns. They can offer strategies and therapies to address and manage them effectively.
If you find that your strategies for managing negative thoughts are ineffective, don't hesitate to reach out for professional help. Engaging with a therapist can lead to beneficial changes and provide you with effective coping mechanisms to nurture more positive mental health.
Can Positive Thinking Contribute to Lower Depression Rates and Improved Mental Health?
Does Positive Thinking Impact Depression Rates and Mental Health?
Studies have shown a correlation between positive thinking and improved mental wellness. Individuals who maintain an optimistic outlook tend to engage in healthy behaviors that contribute to their mental health in several ways:
- Enhanced Resilience: Optimists often experience better recovery from stressful conditions and adapt more effectively, reducing the potential for depression.
- Healthier Lifestyles: People with a positive mindset are more inclined to participate in activities that promote physical health, such as exercising regularly and choosing nutritious diets. These habits support not only physical health but also mental well-being.
- Behavioral Benefits: Positive thinkers typically avoid habits that could lead to poor health. They are less likely to smoke, overuse alcohol, or engage in other risky behaviors that can adversely affect their mental state.
In conclusion, while positive thinking alone cannot cure or prevent all mental health issues, it certainly plays a crucial role in fostering a healthier lifestyle and mindset. This can help lower the incidence of depression and enhance overall mental health over time.
How Can Setting Boundaries Help In Decreasing Burnout?
Setting boundaries is crucial in mitigating burnout. By learning how to set effective limits, you ensure that both your work and personal life have clear cut-offs, preventing either from overwhelming you. Here’s how establishing boundaries plays a pivotal role:
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Learn to Say No: Recognizing your limits and politely declining additional responsibilities avoids overloading yourself, maintaining a healthy workload.
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Communicate Your Needs: Being clear about what you can handle and your expectations helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures you aren’t pushed beyond your limits.
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Stand Up for Yourself: Defending your own interests by not hesitating to express when you’re reaching a breaking point is crucial. This might mean declining to cover extra shifts or deploying strategies like mantras to maintain work-life balance.
By mastering these boundary-setting techniques, you safeguard against burnout by keeping both work and home responsibilities within manageable bounds.
Setting boundaries is crucial in mitigating burnout, a sentiment echoed by experts like Neidich. By learning how to set effective limits, you ensure that both your work and personal life have clear cut-offs, preventing either from overwhelming you. Here’s how establishing boundaries plays a pivotal role:
-
Learn to Say No: Recognizing your limits and politely declining additional responsibilities avoids overloading yourself, maintaining a healthy workload.
-
Communicate Your Needs: Being clear about what you can handle and your expectations helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures you aren’t pushed beyond your limits.
-
Stand Up for Yourself: Defending your own interests by not hesitating to express when you’re reaching a breaking point is crucial. This might mean declining to cover extra shifts or deploying strategies like mantras to maintain work-life balance.
By mastering these boundary-setting techniques, you safeguard against burnout by keeping both work and home responsibilities within manageable bounds.
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What Should I Say Or Avoid Saying When Talking To Someone Who Has Experienced Trauma?
When speaking with someone who has undergone a traumatic experience, it's crucial to approach the conversation with sensitivity and empathy. Here are some helpful tips on what to say and what to avoid:
What to Say:
- Offer Support: Let them know you are there for them without expectations or pressure. Phrases like "I’m here for you," can be reassuring.
- Ask How You Can Help: Sometimes, asking "How can I help you right now?" can give them the comfort to express their needs.
- Validate Their Trust: Acknowledging their courage with "Thank you for trusting me to share this," helps in reinforcing your support.
- Affirmation: Simple affirmations like "I believe you" or "I believe in you," can significantly impact their healing process.
- Express Love and Care: Reminding them that they are loved with words like “You are loved” can be powerful.
- Listen: Sometimes, just saying, "I’m here to listen," is all they need.
What to Avoid Saying:
- Dismissive Remarks: Avoid minimizing their trauma with comments like "It wasn’t that bad" or encouraging them to just "Move on."
- False Positivity: Saying things like "You’re lucky" or "Look on the bright side" can seem insensitive to their experience.
- Making Assumptions: Avoid phrases like "I know how you feel" or "It’s all in your head," as they can come off as belittling their personal feelings.
- Avoid Judgment: Refrain from comments like "You shouldn’t have done that" or "You shouldn’t be angry," as these can make them feel invalidated.
By following these guidelines, you can provide genuine support and aid their healing process. Always remember that your role is to support and listen, rather than to solve their issues.
How Can I Support a Loved One After a Traumatic Event?
Supporting a loved one through the aftermath of a traumatic event can be challenging, yet incredibly important. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you provide the support they need during this difficult time:
Educate Yourself About Trauma
Start by gaining a basic understanding of trauma and its potential effects. Knowing about common reactions to trauma can help you anticipate and understand your loved loved one's behaviors and needs.
Listen Actively
Make yourself available to hear what your loved one has to share, focusing entirely on listening rather than responding. It's crucial to let them express themselves without feeling judged or hurried.
Respect Their Space
People who have experienced trauma might feel a heightened need for personal space. Always ask for consent before initiating physical contact, and be respectful of their comfort levels.
Be Patient and Present
Offer your presence as a constant reassurance without expectations. Recognize that the healing process is gradual, and the person may not always know how they need to be supported. Being patient and avoiding assumptions goes a long way.
Help with Everyday Tasks
Post-trauma, managing daily life can feel overwhelming. Offer assistance with regular chores like meal preparation, shopping, or cleaning to help ease their burden.
Encourage Professional Help
Encourage them to seek professional help if necessary. Sometimes, the best way to support someone is to help them get access to those who are trained to handle such situations.
Take Care of Yourself
Remember, supporting someone through trauma can also take a toll on you. Engage in self-care practices and seek support if you find yourself overwhelmed by secondary trauma.
By implementing these strategies, you can provide meaningful support to your loved one as they navigate their path to recovery.
Secondary PTSD Treatment
Whether you’re suffering from PTSD or secondary trauma, our residential mental health program in Boca offers round-the-clock care and support to aid in your recovery. Our mental health specialists utilize a variety of evidence-based modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and biofeedback to teach patients how to manage their symptoms on their own.
Our goal is not only to help patients recover from their current stressors but also to educate them about their conditions and teach them how to sustain a happy and healthy lifestyle on their own. However, we also understand the value of a strong support system. In the same fashion as the old saying, “it takes a village to raise a child,” we offer family therapy for the parents, spouses, siblings, and close loved ones of our clients to help them heal, as well.
For more information about our inpatient and PHP mental health program, call Banyan Treatment Centers at 888-280-4763.
Related Reading:
The Stages of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
