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: 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: Focus on positive thoughts, affirm your strengths, do breathing and visualization exercises, remind yourself that this is temporary, stay in the present moment
SPIRITUAL: Participate in a community that you value, pray/meditate/do readings, connect to the outdoors, sing
Heather Trish is the Manager of Trauma Services and Suicide Prevention at Jefferson Center.