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Vicarious Trauma: The Signs, Causes, And Available Treatments

Vicarious Trauma: The Signs, Causes, And Available Treatments

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Trauma is a very distressing state a person can ever experience. In layman words, it can also be described as compassion fatigue or the cost of caring. This simply means when a person also starts to relate with the trauma experienced people. Furthermore, such people also tend to develop a fear associated with that particular incident.

If you think you might know someone going through such feelings, then continue, reading this blog to attain basic understanding about what is vicarious traumatization, symptoms of vicarious trauma, examples of vicarious trauma, causes, and vicarious trauma treatment.

What Is Vicarious Trauma? 

Vicarious trauma is a response that occurs due to the repeated exposure to a traumatic event that had been experienced by other people. Now, this might include witnessing, heading about, and supporting others during their trauma phase, regardless of the fact that the responder does not experience the trauma directly. However, the truth is that a person with an exposure to the trauma is at a high risk of developing vicarious trauma. But, the chances are higher if a person had a trauma history of their own.

Common Identifiers Of Vicarious Traumatization

The signs of vicarious community trauma are different for every person. Some people may experience the signs that are similar to the signs of PTSD i.e., the intrusive thoughts linked with the trauma, horrifying dreams and nightmares linked with events, and a persistent psychological distress. However, not every PTSD is vicarious trauma. Some may experience the below mentioned signs:

  • Disturbed sleep cycle
  • Unstable eating habits
  • Panic Attacks
  • Concentration Issues
  • Depression
  • MDD
  • Specific Phobia
  • Acute Stress
  • SAD
  • ADHD
  • GAD
  • Adjustment Disorder
  • Psychosis
  • Anxiety
  • Illness
  • Self-harm
  • Substance Abuse

In terms of social relations, the person may also withdraw from their loved ones and sometimes exhibit irritable behavior towards them. In a few cases, such people may show signs of over protection and experience noticeable worry about the recurrence of the traumatic event.

Now the signs of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue are different for different people. Therefore, some people may experience vicarious trauma at their workplace in the form of overworking and avoidance of professional responsibilities. Such people usually change their jobs. Moreover, they get into conflicts with their colleagues.

Read More: Understanding The Different Types Of Trauma

Leading Causes Of Vicarious Trauma

Vicarious trauma can occur in people who have been involved or kept in touch with trauma survivors and witness traumatic events repeatedly. For this very reason vicarious trauma is much more common in professional helping others, such as:

  • Social workers
  • Police officers
  • Doctors
  • Firefighters
  • Paramedics
  • Doctors
  • Therapists
  • Firefighters

Primary Instances Of Negative Reactions To Vicarious Trauma

As mentioned before, each individual experiences vicarious trauma differently. Therefore, the reaction may also vary from person to person. Some of the common negative reaction are:

  • Unable to manage the emotions
  • Experiencing sudden rush of emotions
  • Emotional numbness
  • Sleeping issues
  • Lack of focus
  • Persistent worry
  • Aggressiveness
  • Lack of understanding the meaning of life
  • Physical pains
  • Lack of interest in activities
  • Avoidance of going to work and school
  • Poor performance
  • Interpersonal relationship issues

Read More: Understanding Trauma Bond Withdrawal Symptoms: Moving on to building healthy relationships

Ways To Reduce The Risk Of Vicarious Trauma

If you think that you or any of your loved one is experiencing vicarious trauma symptoms, you can follow the following coping strategies to minimize the risks:

  • Awareness and identification about the vicarious trauma signs is essential. This will minimize the chances of burnout in the sufferer.
  • Taking good care of yourself is essential. The best way to do so is to relax yourself with self soothing activities.
  • Keeping a check on your physical and mental well-being is the key.
  • Keeping a record of what to achieve and ensure attainable goals.
  • Dividing your days as relaxing and working days.

Best Therapeutic Approaches For Vicarious Trauma

If you are a social worker and facing the signs of vicarious trauma, consulting with a therapist is essential and can be of great support. Some other ways to cope with the signs of vicarious trauma can be taking off from your work and going on a vacation to relax your mind. Moreover, seeking social support can be beneficial for several stressful situations. To connect with people you can always look up for individual and group therapy. This will aid in making you realize that you are not alone and there are several people going through the same. Other than these ways, you can always experience some proper treatment methods such as:

  • Psychotherapy (Cognitive behavior therapy)
  • Family therapy
  • Trauma focused CBT for children and adolescents

Furthermore, you can always adapt some healthy habits such as keeping healthy boundaries, self care practices, self compassion practices, taking a break from work, attending training and educational sessions, and mindful grounding techniques.

Read More: The Hidden Mental Scars of Childhood Trauma in Adults

Wrapping Up!

Trauma is something that is experienced by every person in their life. Now there are certain types of trauma a person experiences. One of the widely experienced trauma is vicarious trauma. This is the type of trauma that is commonly experienced by certain people such as social workers, therapists, doctors, firefighters, and police officers as they on a daily basis get in contact with several people going through certain intensity trauma. Therefore, repeated exposure of these people with the trauma can lead them to experience the signs of vicarious trauma. Moreover, treating this trauma type is compulsory to prevent any adverse impact on the wellbeing of the sufferer with the help of psychotherapy, family therapy, and trauma focused therapy particularly for children and adolescents. If you think that you or your loved one is experiencing the signs of vicarious trauma and looking for how to prevent vicarious trauma, then now is the ideal time for you to get in touch with telehealth services of Orange Coast Psychiatry.

Frequently Asked Questions

The widely and popular treatment methods include psychotherapy, family therapy, and trauma focused CBT for children and adolescents.

Vicarious trauma can negatively impact the daily functioning of a person by causing impairment in their day-to-day activities such as at work and in personal life as well. 

 Our doctors, firefighters, therapists, and police officers are some of the people who are at high risk of developing signs of vicarious trauma.

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Richard Samedra.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.
Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.
Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.
Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.

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Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.
Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.
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Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

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A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.
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“My approach is grounded in years of diverse experience, including work in psychiatric units and medical detox units for both adults and adolescents. This extensive background has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to manage complex psychiatric and substance abuse conditions effectively. I am committed to staying updated with the latest advancements in psychiatric care, integrating cutting-edge therapies and best practices into my treatment plans. Collaboration is key to my practice; I work closely with multidisciplinary teams, families, and community resources to provide coordinated and comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.”

Griselda holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health from West Coast University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Additionally, she is fluent in the English and Spanish language, enhancing her ability to connect with a diverse patient population.

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Dr Barrios

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Dr. Carlos Barrios is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in mental health care. His expertise in telepsychiatry has allowed him to serve patients across California and beyond. In his practice, Dr Barrios integrates metabolic and functional methodologies, focusing on guiding patients toward medication independence and emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health.
Outside of his professional life, Dr Barrios is passionate about kettlebell training, which helps him maintain my physical and mental wellness. He cherishes visiting his family in Guatemala, to reconnecting with his cultural roots and rejuvenating his spirit. Dr Barrios is also deeply involved in transcendental meditation and rucking, practices that not only provide him with tranquility but also keep him grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies reflect his commitment to a holistic approach to health, both personally and professionally.