Secondhand PTSD: Causes and how to cope

[5 MIN READ]

In this article:

• Participating in traumatic events, even secondhand, can affect your mental and emotional health.

• Secondhand PTSD refers to the emotional and psychological distress you experience when you haven’t directly gone through a traumatic event yourself, but you’ve been affected by the trauma someone else has endured.

• There are ways you can help yourself or someone you love cope with secondhand PTSD.

Secondhand PTSD: Causes and how to cope

If you’ve ever witnessed a tragedy unfold on the news or over social media, you’re like most Americans. The 9/11 terror attacks serve as just one example of a horrific event that millions of people watched play out on live TV.

Participating in traumatic events like this, even secondhand, can affect you in ways you may not realize. 

Nicolle Pacifico, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist with Providence St. Jude Heritage Medical Group in Yorba Linda, California, breaks down the phenomenon called secondhand PTSD, or secondhand post-traumatic stress disorder.

What is secondhand PTSD?

Secondhand PTSD can be known by a number of names, including secondary traumatic stress, vicarious trauma, vicarious traumatization and compassion fatigue.

Whatever you call it, secondhand PTSD refers to the emotional and psychological distress you experience when you haven’t directly gone through a traumatic event yourself, but you’ve been affected by the trauma someone else has endured. That could be a family member, friend or co-worker — or even someone you’ve never met.

How secondhand PTSD differs from PTSD

It’s important to know that while secondhand PTSD shares some similarities with PTSD, it’s not the same thing. Someone with PTSD directly experiences the traumatic event, while someone with secondhand PTSD indirectly experiences it.

“A person could experience secondhand PTSD by witnessing, hearing about or being involved in some way with someone else’s trauma,” Dr. Pacifico says. “People with secondhand PTSD may experience many of the same symptoms as those with PTSD, but the cause of the trauma is different since they’re affected by someone else’s pain.”

For example, a therapist who regularly listens to patients share traumatic stories may begin to feel overwhelmed or distressed. Similarly, a loved one caring for someone with PTSD may develop symptoms of their own that share similarities to PTSD.

Secondhand PTSD may not always be as visible as PTSD, but its impact can be just as serious.

Symptoms of secondhand PTSD

Trauma symptoms of PTSD and secondhand PTSD, like nightmares and anxiety, can overlap.

Physical and behavioral signs

The first general warning signs of secondhand PTSD include: 

• Changes in appetite (eating more or less than usual)
• Changes in behavior (feeling more irritable)
• Changes in mood (feel more depressed or emotionally numb, or feeling emotionally disconnected from others)
• Changes in sleep habits (sleeping more or less than usual)

Emotional and psychological effects

More concrete signs of secondhand PTSD may include:

• Avoiding situations, people or places that remind you of the trauma
• Having intrusive thoughts about the source of the trauma, such as frequently thinking about someone else’s traumatic experience or having nightmares about it
• Hyperarousal, such as being easily startled, frequently feeling tense or having difficulty relaxing (sometimes known as hypervigilance) 

“If these symptoms last for more than a couple of weeks and interfere with your day-to-day life, it’s a good idea to seek professional support,” Dr. Pacifico says.

Who is most at risk for secondhand PTSD?

Some people are at a higher risk for developing secondhand PTSD than others.

Caregivers, first responders and mental health professionals

Those in caregiving roles — such as therapists, doctors, nurses, social workers or first responders — are particularly vulnerable because they regularly witness trauma or are deeply involved in others’ recovery.

People who work in high-stress, high-emotion environments, like crisis hotlines or in social work, also may be at heightened risk for secondhand PTSD and burnout.

Family members and close friends of trauma survivors

In addition, loved ones of those who have experienced trauma — such as partners, parents or close friends — are at a higher risk for secondhand PTSD, especially if they’re supporting the person through the aftermath of the traumatic event.

The role of media and constant exposure to trauma

Today’s 24-hour news cycle increases the burden of secondhand PTSD. For example, when you watch coverage of natural disasters — like a hurricane in Florida or wildfires in California — on the news or over social media, you may feel disturbed, and your sense of personal safety and security damaged.

How to cope with secondhand PTSD

If you or someone you know is struggling with secondhand PTSD, it’s important to take steps to address the issue before it worsens.

Recognizing triggers and setting boundaries

It’s important to know your limits if you’re experiencing secondhand PTSD. That means if you’re regularly exposed to someone’s trauma, set boundaries to protect your well-being, such as taking breaks or finding support outside of the situation.

Self-care and stress-management techniques

Engaging in self-care activities that reduce stress may help, too. This can look like exercising, meditating or simply spending time in nature. Talking or journaling about what you’re experiencing can also be a relief. 

“Whether it’s a friend, family member or support group, having someone listen can help you process your emotions,” Dr. Pacifico says.

When to seek professional help

Speaking to a therapist who specializes in trauma can also help. For example, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, or TF-CBT, is effective for both PTSD and secondhand PTSD. This type of therapy is designed to help you address upsetting feelings and learn skills to help you cope.

Supporting someone with secondhand PTSD

If you or someone you care about is dealing with secondhand PTSD, there are ways you can support them.

Encouraging healthy coping mechanisms

You can start by recommending they try some activities they can perform on their own or with others, such as exercising, listening to music or meditation.  

Available mental health resources and treatment options

There are also resources available to help.

The National Center for PTSD, for example, is a valuable resource for information and support for those struggling with trauma, whether direct or secondary. Therapists specializing in trauma, such as those well-versed in TF-CBT, can offer coping strategies, therapy and support for people affected by secondhand PTSD.

 Support groups are also available for family members of trauma survivors.

“These groups can provide a space to share experiences and find mutual support,” Dr. Pacifico says.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can also help those struggling or in crisis. It offers free, confidential help, including emotional support for caregivers and loved ones.

Contributing caregiver

Nicolle Pacifico, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist with Providence St. Jude Heritage Medical Group in Yorba Linda, California. 

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Related resources

5 tips to manage stress for better health 

Understanding PTSD: A guide to support and care

How to prioritize your mental health 

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.