Secondary Trauma vs Compassion Fatigue

 

Secondary Trauma, also known as Vicarious Trauma, is a serious issue that can affect individuals who work in caregiving professions. It is often used interchangeably with compassion fatigue, but there is a key difference between the two.

Compassion fatigue is a gradual process of emotional and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to trauma while caring for others. This can lead to symptoms such as dissociation, lack of concentration, irritability, and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. These symptoms don't just stay at work. They can have a negative impact on personal relationships as well. Over time, compassion fatigue can be exacerbated by stress within the organization one works for, lack of support or recognition, and negative outcomes when working with traumatized individuals. This can put caregivers at a higher risk for mental health issues like depression, burnout, and even PTSD.

On the other hand, Secondary Trauma or Vicarious Trauma involves profound negative changes in an individual's worldview due to their exposure to traumatic content from those they are helping. 

If you are experiencing the following problems, Secondary Trauma / Vicarious Trauma may have developed:

• Fear in non-threatening situations
• Physical symptoms include headaches, shortness of breath, and a racing heart
• Feeling others’ trauma as if you experienced it yourself
• Constantly feeling on guard or jumpy
• Excessive fear that yourself, your colleagues, or loved ones may get hurt
• Persistent intrusive thoughts involving the trauma of others 

During a TED Talk in 2017, Patricia Smith, the founder of the Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project, had this to say: 

“Caregivers are not good at asking for help. Asking for help is hard, no matter who you are. For nurses, doctors, teachers and more, the idea of leaving work can seem like an impossibility.

You may feel guilty or that you are abandoning your patients or students. But if you are struggling with drug or alcohol use, you need help too. Your clients, patients and students will be happy for you.”

Compassion fatigue and Vicarious Trauma may be a common occurrence in caregiving professions, but it doesn't have to take control of your life. By taking care of yourself and being aware of the warning signs, you can continue to provide excellent care without sacrificing your own well-being. Remember, only when you take care of yourself can you truly take care of others.

*****

“If you believe change is possible, you want to change, and you are willing to do the work, you absolutely CAN get your life back.”

Get your copy of The Soldier's Guide to PTSD, The Soldier's Workbook, 

or Acknowledge & Heal, A Women's-Focused Guide to PTSD

Compassion Fatigue in Caregivers

 

According to Charles Figley, who first coined the term, compassion fatigue refers to the negative psychological symptoms experienced by caregivers who are exposed to direct traumatic events or secondary trauma in the course of their work. This can include first responders or mental and/or healthcare workers, and other professionals who are frequently exposed to traumatized individuals.

The stress and impact of this exposure on caregivers' mental and physical health cannot be underestimated. It often stems from a combination of prolonged exposure to trauma, as well as the inability to emotionally disengage from the suffering of others.

Some common signs of compassion fatigue include exhaustion, anger and irritability, negative coping behaviors such as alcohol or drug abuse, emotional detachment or numbness, burnout, and impaired decision-making abilities.

So how can you prevent compassion fatigue from taking over your life? Here are some key things to keep in mind:

1. Take care of your own well-being: As a caregiver, it's natural to put others' needs before your own. However, it's crucial to prioritize your own mental and physical health to avoid reaching a breaking point.

2. Acknowledge your limitations: You're only human, and there's only so much you can do. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it or delegate tasks if possible.

3. Practice self-care: Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you relax. Whether it's exercising, reading a book, or spending time with loved ones, self-care is essential for recharging your emotional batteries.

4. Don't ignore warning signs:

• Depression
• Frustration
• Feelings of uselessness
• Cynicism
• Feeling disconnected from others
• Worries you’re failing at your job
• Constantly feeling exhausted or tired
• Feeling the need to drink alcohol or do drugs

If you notice any of the warning signs mentioned above, don't brush them off. Address them and seek help before they escalate. Seek help from resources like supervisors, peer-support groups, or clinical practitioners before it becomes too overwhelming.

Compassion fatigue may be a common occurrence in caregiving professions, but it doesn't have to take control of your life. By taking care of yourself and being aware of the warning signs, you can continue to provide excellent care without sacrificing your own well-being. Remember, only when you take care of yourself can you truly take care of others.

*****

“If you believe change is possible, you want to change, and you are willing to do the work, you absolutely CAN get your life back.”

Get your copy of The Soldier's Guide to PTSD, The Soldier's Workbook, 

or Acknowledge & Heal, A Women's-Focused Guide to PTSD

Cumulative Trauma: The Hidden Toll of Caring Professions

 

Caring for others is a noble calling, but it comes with its own set of challenges. For those working in health and safety positions like first responders or mental and/or healthcare workers, the toll of repeated exposure to traumatic events can have devastating effects on their well-being.

Known as cumulative trauma, this term describes the psychological, emotional, and physical strain that builds up over time from constantly being exposed to traumatic situations. These individuals may not even realize the weight they carry until it becomes too much to bear.

First responders, in particular, must maintain emotional control in order to effectively help those in need. However, this means they may not have the chance to fully process their own reactions and emotions while caring for others. This can lead to long-term distress and difficulty coping with the cumulative stress.

Many who work in caring professions suffer in silence, believing that experiencing trauma is just part of the job. But as their careers progress, each new traumatic event adds another heavy rock to their already heavy mental load. Unfortunately, signs of cumulative trauma often go unnoticed or unaddressed.

The ongoing exposure to traumatic stress can have serious consequences for these individuals. Unresolved trauma can manifest in symptoms such as irritability, sleep disruption, fatigue, anger, detachment, isolation, increased alcohol use, hypervigilance, startling easily, physical pain and headaches, and anxiety. It can also greatly diminish their overall quality of life and increase the risk of developing conditions like PTSD.

It's vital for those in caring professions to recognize when exposure to stress and trauma has taken a toll and seek support and professional help. Just like carrying a backpack full of rocks, eventually the weight can become too much to bear. Let's break the stigma surrounding mental health in these professions and ensure that our caregivers receive the care they need to continue doing their important work with strength and resilience. 

*****

“If you believe change is possible, you want to change, and you are willing to do the work, you absolutely CAN get your life back.”

Get your copy of The Soldier's Guide to PTSD, The Soldier's Workbook, 

or Acknowledge & Heal, A Women's-Focused Guide to PTSD