What is vicarious trauma and why does it matter in the workplace?

29 Jan

Vicarious trauma, also known as secondary trauma, occurs when individuals are exposed to the traumatic experiences of others, often through their work. It’s particularly prevalent in high-stress industries like healthcare, law enforcement, and social / community work, where professionals regularly encounter distressing situations.

This can lead to emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and a diminished sense of safety. Other common symptoms of vicarious trauma include:

anger, rage and sadness about the patient’s victimisation
experiencing bystander guilt
self-doubt
difficulty in maintaining boundaries, e.g. becoming overly involved with a patient
rumination or pre-occupation with thoughts of the patient/stressor
cynicism or loss of hope
distancing
staying busy, numbing or distancing yourself.

Understanding vicarious trauma is the first step toward addressing it. Left unmanaged, it can negatively impact job performance, workplace relationships, and overall mental health. However, with the right support and training, individuals and teams can build resilience and continue to thrive in their roles.

At HeartWell, we offer tailored Vicarious Trauma Training designed to help professionals recognize and manage the effects of secondary trauma. Our programs provide practical tools and strategies to foster emotional well-being and create healthier workplaces. Learn more about our training programs here.