Title: What is Vicarious Trauma? - Jefferson Center - Mental Health and Substance Use Services
Headings: What is Vicarious Trauma?
What is Vicarious Trauma?
What is Trauma?
What is Vicarious Trauma?
Who Experiences Vicarious Trauma?
Common Reactions to Vicarious Trauma:
How to Address Vicarious Trauma:

Content: • PHYSICAL: Feeling on edge, difficulty sleeping, feeling tired, getting sick
• EMOTIONAL: Feeling sad or anxious, angry, irritable, lonely or unsupported, unsafe
• COGNITIVE: Difficulty concentrating or making decisions, memory problems, disturbing imagery, nightmares, “zoning out”
• BEHAVIORAL: Social withdrawal, drinking or smoking more, changes in eating patterns, overprotectiveness
• RELATIONAL: Expecting the worst of others, becoming judgmental, relationship problems, loss of friends
• SPIRITUAL: Cynicism, discouragement, loss of faith, an attitude of “why bother”
How to Address Vicarious Trauma: PHYSICAL & BEHAVIORAL: Exercise, sleep 8-10 hours each night, eat regular healthy snacks and meals (reduce quantity, increase quality), take necessary medications, limit alcohol, drugs, and smoking, drink water, shower to “wash the day away,” follow a routine, balance priorities
EMOTIONAL & RELATIONAL: Seek support, journal, paint, laugh, watch movies, avoid news/violent TV shows, read books, listen to music
COGNITIVE: