What is Vicarious Trauma?

Picture of a person covering their face. Trauma can be anxiety provoking. Therapy can help manage stress, reduce anxiety, decrease social anxiety, and decrease trauma symptoms.

Vicarious trauma is when an individual was not present for a traumatic event but has heard details and aspects of a traumatic event, and these details impact the functioning of the individual. Friends, family, and official supports are all at risk following a traumatic event.  Friends, family members and supports are also at risk of burnout and compassion fatigue.

 Symptoms of Vicarious Trauma

Vicarious Trauma has similar symptoms to survivors of first hand trauma. There are three major symptom sets, including:

·      Hyperarousal, feeling on edge, “keyed up” or looking out for danger

·      Avoidance of people, places or things that are reminders of the event

·      Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks or nightmares

 

Other symptoms of Trauma

 

·      Difficulty focusing

·      Racing thoughts

·      Loss of appetite

·      Negative copings skills such as drinking or smoking

·      Irritable

·      Survivor’s guilt

·      Anxiety

·      Panic attacks

·      Anger

·      Loss of enjoyment

·      Feelings of powerlessness

·      Minimizing the vicarious trauma

 

 

Ways to Cope with Vicarious Trauma

 

·      Set boundaries. Check in with yourself and set limits and how available you can be. Maybe turn off your phone and disconnect for a while to regroup and recharge.

·      Take time for yourself. Set some time apart for yourself and the activities that recharge you. Maybe its taking time to meditate, pray, go for a run, or do some yoga.

·      Connect with others. Find your own support system. When we are busy being supports for others it can be easy to forget that we too need support.

·      Do something that brings you joy. When things are hard it can be important to find some counterbalance and find some joy weather it is in looking at a flower, getting a hug, or finding something to make you laugh.

Counseling for Trauma and Vicarious Trauma in Charlotte, NC

Life does not have to ruled by symptoms of trauma. Therapy can help manage symptoms of anxiety associated with trauma. Clear Vista Counseling is located on East Blvd in the Dilworth area of Charlotte. At Clear Vista we can help you manage your trauma related symptoms.

 

Picture of Theresa Leskowat a trained trauma therapist in Charlotte, NC 28203. She provides counseling to manage trauma symptoms and manage anxiety.

 Author: A Trained Trauma Therapist

Theresa Leskowat MS LPC runs a Counseling Practice in Charlotte, NC. As a trained trauma therapist Theresa has extensive experience helping clients work past traumatic experiences and manage anxiety. Theresa also works with individuals to provide separation counseling, stress management therapy, and therapy for perfectionists.