Have you ever heard or witnessed someone else's traumatic experience? If you have you may be at risk for second-hand trauma. Secondary traumatic stress is the emotional duress that when an individual hears or witnesses the first-hand trauma of another.

Specific ages are more likely to have second-hand trauma than others. Teens are the age group that is most likely to suffer from second-hand trauma. “Still, 29% of the 4,549-person sample population, including young people ages 0-17, reported experiencing some form of vicarious trauma exposure during their lifetimes,” Charlie Heath said.¹ This specific type of trauma is also associated with certain jobs, such as physicians, psychotherapists, human service workers, and first responders. “Supporting people through their traumatic situations can be a trauma of its own, called secondary trauma. It’s especially common among helping professionals,” Psych Central said.² Overall, everyone is at risk for second-hand trauma, but specifically, people who are at a fragile age and those who are in a stressful work environment.


There are specific markers and signs a person who has second-hand trauma will show. “Common symptoms include: nightmares about a patient’s story, intrusive thoughts, sleep problems, avoiding clients or discouraging them to share trauma, hypervigilance, anger, anxiety, apathy or depression, physical exhaustion, increased drinking, substance use, or eating to cope with stress and an increase in judgment or resentment toward clients or job,” Psych Central said.² Resentment towards a person may be because they are the cause of the trauma. Most people who cause the trauma do not know or recognize that they did. Recognizing symptoms and dealing with them appropriately can help a person heal from the emotional wounds.

If you know or have suspicions of a friend or family member who might have second-hand trauma, there are important steps to take to help them heal. “Get enough sleep, use mindful intention, and meditate. Find places to appreciate the outdoors and maintain perspective. Talk about your feelings with people you trust, such as loved ones, friends, and support groups, or see a mental health professional,” Social Work License Map said.³ Helping a person heal from second-hand trauma can build trust, but more importantly lets the person know that you are there for them and are willing to help in times of need.

Second-hand trauma can cause a loved one tons of stress and anxiety. Second-hand trauma is best when caught early and dealt with accordingly.