Vicarious trauma, also called secondary trauma, is a type of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that occurs when people absorb the emotional weight of others’ distress. First responders, therapists, healthcare workers, and caregivers are especially vulnerable, but anyone consistently exposed to others’ suffering can be affected. As with other forms of PTSD, understanding the root of the issue and getting appropriate...[ read more ]
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often thought of as a single condition, but it varies according to the nature of the trauma and how the brain processes it. Why is this worth mentioning? Just like you might treat food poisoning differently from the flu, the different types of PTSD require a tailored approach to get you on the mend. Recognizing...[ read more ]
When someone lives through a traumatic event, they may begin experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, and nightmares. If these symptoms worsen, interfere with the person’s daily routine, or persist for an extended period of time (months or years), it’s referred to as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This mental health condition is quite common—in fact, according to statistics published by...[ read more ]
You’ve likely heard of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that can cause someone to experience anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and other symptoms after living through a traumatic event. But did you know that the mental health community commonly divides PTSD into five stages? They are:Impact – This stage occurs immediately after someone experiences a traumatic event. The person...[ read more ]