Title: Blog Therapy, Therapy, Therapy Blog, Blogging Therapy, Therapy,..
Headings: Vicarious Trauma
Vicarious Trauma
Understanding Vicarious Trauma
Symptoms of Vicarious Trauma
Vicarious Trauma and Mental Health
Self-Care Practices to Reduce Risk of Vicarious Trauma
References:
Maryanne
The GoodTherapy.org Team
MissBea
Noah

Content: Physiological symptoms, which affect physical well-being, can appear in the form of headaches, rashes, ulcers, or heartburn, among others. Cognitive symptoms may take the form of cynicism and negativity or lead to difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions in daily life. A helping professional may also find it difficult to stop thinking about the trauma experienced by a person in their care, even when not at work. Spiritual symptoms can include a loss of hope, a decreased sense of purpose, and feelings of disconnect from others and the world in general. People may lose sight of their life purpose or come to feel as if they are unworthy of love or do not deserve love. Because symptoms can become debilitating if left untreated, it is recommended that helping professionals at risk of developing vicarious trauma seek the help of a mental health professional before symptoms become serious. Vicarious Trauma and Mental Health
Vicarious trauma can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health. Helpers and others affected by vicarious trauma may notice emotional issues, such as feelings of anxiety, anger, and/or sadness related to hearing accounts of traumatic experiences. According to revised diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (which was expanded to include “repeated exposure to aversive details” of a traumatic event), some of those who experience vicarious trauma may also be diagnosed with PTSD. A person with PTSD may be affected by intrusive thoughts about trauma, avoid things that cause memories of a traumatic experience, and have increased physiological arousal/reactivity.