Understanding Vicarious Trauma and its Effects

The understanding of vicarious trauma has evolved beyond the recognition that it can stem from direct experiences like sexual assault or childhood abuse. It's now acknowledged that severe PTSD can result from repeated exposure to traumatic experiences, even if not directly involved. For instance, police officers witnessing violent crimes or individuals exposed to graphic content can develop vicarious trauma, leading to symptoms similar to PTSD like stress, sleep disturbances, irritability, and negative thoughts. This can impact trust in others and feelings of safety. Media coverage of events like 9/11 has also highlighted how exposure to such content can lead to vicarious trauma.