Know something about vicarious trauma and its treatment

Trauma can not only affect the person who is the direct victim of it, but also the person who is helping them with coping with that trauma. The more empathetic they are, the more likely it is that they will be affected. Often, people who experience this type of trauma neglect their own pain.

The type of pain experienced by people who are indirectly affected by it is known as vicarious trauma. Trauma counseling in Perth can help such people in getting back their life. In this blog, we will take a closer look at vicarious trauma, its signs and symptoms and its treatment.

Let us first learn what vicarious trauma is.

What is vicarious trauma?

Vicarious trauma refers to the trauma a person experiences when they are indirectly exposed to someone else’s trauma. It could be a situation where another person has witnessed the death of someone or was being threatened. People experiencing vicarious trauma often take it on as their own. It triggers a reaction in the mind and the body. It also involves a change in beliefs about the world.

People in care giving professions are most susceptible to vicarious trauma. It may include the following jobs:

· Social workers

· Counselors

· Therapists

· Rescue workers

· Soldiers

· Police officers

· Humanitarian workers

· Journalists

· Clergy

· Lawyers

· Nurses

· Surgeons

· Doctors

In addition, if a person has a close relationship with someone who is going through trauma, then they may also go through vicarious trauma.

People with vicarious trauma are at risk of developing severe mental health issues like addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. This is why it is important to go for counseling as soon as possible.

Symptoms of vicarious trauma

Vicarious trauma affects how a person acts, thinks and feels. Signs and symptoms may include the following:

{1} Behavioural: Struggling with making decisions, concentration and memory. Difficulty sleeping and change in eating habits. Engaging in substance or alcohol abuse. Disconnecting from others.

{2} Physiological: Exhaustion, stomach pain and headaches

{3 } Thoughts: Negative thoughts and cynicism. A constant worry about the person who has experienced the trauma.

{4 } Emotional: Feeling numb, angry, irritable, sad or anxious

Treatment of vicarious trauma

The first step towards treating vicarious trauma is to take oneself out of the trauma victim’s shoes. It is also about taking care of the mind and the body.

{1} Going for counseling: Counseling helps with reducing the trauma and removing it step by step. It helps with recognizing one’s own strengths and using that to deal with the trauma

{2} Social life: Getting out and socializing with loved ones, family and friends

{3} Being mindful: Engaging in hobbies that make one happy and feel connected with their own selves

{4} Taking care of the body: Eating the right food, getting enough sleep and exercising on a regular basis

Last word

Vicarious trauma can be a debilitating experience if not taken care of in time. It can make life very painful and difficult. Regular counseling sessions help with gaining control of one’s life and making life meaningful again.

It is important to find an experienced and suitable counselor for treating vicarious trauma. Please get in touch with The Heart’s Way for the best counseling experience. They also provide Relationship guidance counseling in Fremantle.