Title: What is Vicarious Trauma? | What is Vicarious Trauma? | OVC
Headings: What is Vicarious Trauma?
What is Vicarious Trauma?
What Happens to Those Exposed to Vicarious Trauma?
Who Is at Risk of Being Affected by Vicarious Trauma?
What Are Some Common Negative Reactions to Vicarious Trauma?
Suggestions for Coworkers
Suggestions for Supervisors
Suggestions for Family Members
For More Information About Vicarious Trauma
Education and Awareness
Featured Tools
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Prevalence and Risk Factors
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Impact
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Content: feeling vulnerable or worrying excessively about potential dangers in the world and loved ones’ safety; increased irritability; aggressive, explosive, or violent outbursts and behavior; destructive coping or addictive behaviors (e.g., over/under eating, substance abuse, gambling, taking undue risks in sports or driving); lack of or decreased participation in activities that used to be enjoyable; avoiding work and interactions with clients or constituents; and
a combination of symptoms that comprise a diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Suggestions for Coworkers
If you believe a coworker might be experiencing negative reactions to vicarious trauma, consider—
reaching out and talking to them individually about the impact of the work; helping them establish a consistent work-to-home transition that creates an important boundary and safe place outside the workplace; encouraging them to attend to the basics—sleep, healthy eating, hygiene, and exercise;