Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that some people develop after experiencing a dangerous, scary, or shocking event. It’s only natural to feel fear both during and after a traumatic situation because fear triggers several split-second bodily changes that help defend against danger or avoid it. In other words, the “fight-or-flight” response is meant to protect you from harm. People with PTSD may feel frightened and/or stressed, even when they are no longer in danger.

PTSD, however, can be contagious. It can spread from trauma victims to those who care for them, such as their therapists, partners or spouses, and rescue workers. This phenomenon is known as secondary trauma.

We’ve dedicated this post to exploring this subject in detail, so let’s dive right in.

Secondary Trauma: What Leads to It?

In formal treatment, as well as informal social support, those who help people suffering from PTSD may internalize the trauma themselves. The existing literature on the subject has described this phenomenon using different terms, including secondary traumatic stress, vicarious trauma, burnout, compassion fatigue, vicarious traumatization, counter-transference, traumatoid states, and empathetic strains.

Estimates definitely vary, but studies suggest that as many as 50 percent of helping professionals are at high risk of developing secondary trauma or related conditions of PTSD. Some of its symptoms include intrusive imagery and thoughts, avoidance, cognitive distortions, and physiological arousal.

Understanding Who’s More Susceptible to Secondary Trauma

So, the question is, why do many family members, caregivers, and therapists not succumb to secondary trauma while others do? Well, research suggests that people with a strong capacity for empathy—being able to identify with others’ feelings—may have an increased risk for secondary trauma. Therapists who exhibited a greater capacity for emotional empathy were more likely to experience secondhand PTSD.

In the case of family members of trauma victims, a lack of emotional distance may also be a contributing factor. Moreover, researchers are also considering the role that earlier trauma may play in susceptibility to secondary trauma. A sort of reawakening of the person’s own past trauma.

Rekha Shrivastava is a certified rehabilitation counselor and hypnotist specializing in subconscious mind healing techniques. We offer hypnosis sessions to tackle personal problems, depression, ADHD, anxiety, and phobia.

We are based in Rochester, NY and offer a free consultation in-person for locals and via Skype for clients based elsewhere.

Not ready to book an appointment? Learn how self-hypnosis can help you recover from PTSD and depression.