Coping with vicarious trauma from graphic media exposure

Exposure to saturation of violence in media can lead to vicarious trauma. Individuals with personal connections to traumatic events may experience compounded distress. While most people exposed to traumatic events or graphic media won't develop PTSD, around 30-40% may report high distress levels, and only about 10% may develop PTSD. Limiting social media consumption and finding purpose in helping others can be protective strategies against vicarious trauma. Finding meaning in helping those suffering and transforming negative energy into impactful actions can be a powerful coping mechanism for both professionals exposed to traumatic stories and individuals consuming graphic media.