Understanding Vicarious Trauma
How hearing about others' traumatic experiences can affect your own mental health.
What Is Vicarious Trauma?
Vicarious trauma occurs when you are emotionally affected by hearing about or witnessing the traumatic experiences of others.
It is sometimes called secondary traumatic stress and can produce symptoms similar to PTSD.
It commonly affects therapists, counsellors, emergency workers, journalists, and peer supporters.
You don't have to directly experience trauma to be traumatised by it.
How It Shows Up
Intrusive thoughts or images related to others' trauma.
Changes in your worldview — seeing the world as more dangerous than before.
Difficulty trusting people or feeling safe.
Emotional numbness or heightened emotional reactions.
Sleep disturbances, nightmares, or hypervigilance.
Avoiding situations that remind you of the trauma you've heard about.
Changes in your beliefs about yourself, others, and the world.
Who Is at Risk
Professionals who regularly hear traumatic stories.
Peer supporters and volunteers in mental health communities.
People who have their own history of trauma.
Individuals who consume large amounts of traumatic content in media.
Carers supporting loved ones through traumatic experiences.
Protecting Yourself
Recognise the signs early and take them seriously.
Practice emotional boundaries — you can be empathetic without absorbing others' pain.
Debrief regularly with colleagues, supervisors, or a therapist.
Engage in activities that restore your sense of safety and hope.
Limit exposure to traumatic content outside of your role.
Seek professional support if symptoms persist or worsen.