A clear example of secondary traumatic stress (STS) is an emergency medical technician (EMT) who repeatedly responds to severe traffic accidents. While the EMT is not physically harmed in the accidents, they are consistently exposed to the graphic aftermath: severe injuries, fatalities, and the intense emotional distress of victims and their families. Over time, this indirect exposure can lead the EMT to experience symptoms mirroring those of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Secondary traumatic stress is a form of trauma that develops from indirect exposure to distressing events. It often arises when individuals are exposed to the suffering and trauma of others, which can include secondary exposure to crimes, accidents, and various forms of abuse. This condition is particularly common among professionals in helping roles, such as social workers, emergency responders, and healthcare professionals, who regularly encounter traumatized individuals.
Understanding Secondary Traumatic Stress Through Examples
Secondary traumatic stress, sometimes referred to as compassion fatigue or vicarious trauma, stems from the empathetic engagement with traumatized individuals. It's not about experiencing the trauma firsthand, but rather about the profound impact of bearing witness to someone else's pain.
Here are more specific examples illustrating STS:
- Social Workers: A social worker who regularly works with children who have experienced severe neglect and abuse. Even though the social worker is not the victim, the consistent recounting of traumatic stories, reviewing graphic case files, and witnessing the profound suffering of these children can lead to feelings of hopelessness, intrusive thoughts about the children's safety, and emotional exhaustion.
- Oncologists and Nurses: Healthcare professionals, particularly those in specialties like oncology or palliative care, who consistently witness patients battling terminal illnesses, experiencing immense pain, and facing death. The emotional burden of supporting patients and their families through devastating diagnoses and outcomes can lead to symptoms of STS, such as difficulty detaching from work, sleep disturbances, or a sense of personal despair.
- Police Officers/Detectives: Law enforcement personnel, especially detectives specializing in child abuse or violent crimes, who delve deeply into cases involving extreme cruelty. Reviewing crime scene photos, listening to victim testimonies, and interviewing perpetrators can lead to chronic stress, nightmares, or a pervasive sense of dread, even without direct physical danger to themselves.
- Therapists and Counselors: Mental health professionals who regularly listen to the traumatic experiences of their clients, such as survivors of sexual assault, combat veterans, or refugees. The emotional weight of holding their clients' trauma, empathizing with their pain, and helping them process their experiences can result in the therapist internalizing some of that trauma, leading to symptoms like heightened anxiety, difficulty concentrating, or a diminished sense of personal safety.
Recognizing the Impact
The symptoms of secondary traumatic stress can significantly impact a person's well-being and professional life. They often resemble those of PTSD and can include:
- Emotional Symptoms:
- Irritability or anger
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
- Difficulty managing emotions
- Emotional numbing or detachment
- Physical Symptoms:
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia, nightmares)
- Headaches or muscle tension
- Digestive problems
- Behavioral Symptoms:
- Avoidance of certain activities or places
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased use of coping mechanisms (e.g., alcohol, drugs)
- Withdrawal from social interactions
- Cognitive Symptoms:
- Intrusive thoughts or images related to clients' trauma
- Preoccupation with trauma
- Difficulty making decisions
- Negative changes in beliefs about the world or others
Understanding secondary traumatic stress is crucial for individuals in helping professions and for the organizations that employ them. Recognizing the signs and implementing strategies for self-care and organizational support can help mitigate its impact and promote resilience.
For more information on secondary traumatic stress, visit the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
