You do not necessarily need to be a victim of a traumatic event in order to feel traumatized. If you witness a traumatic event, or you are in a line of work that involves responding to emergencies, you can also struggle with trauma symptoms or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many first responders cope with vicarious trauma. This refers to trauma symptoms that arise after exposure to a traumatic event in which you were not personally harmed or targeted.
Why is vicarious trauma so common amongst first responders, and why is it so difficult for many first responders to seek help for this issue? Let’s explore the prevalence of vicarious trauma for first responders and the emotional pitfalls of this type of work.
Direct Exposure to Trauma
A large number of first responders experience vicarious trauma compared to those in other fields simply because their work entails direct contact with trauma victims. They may be present during natural disasters, house fires, emergency medical incidents, and other dangerous events. Even if their personal safety is not in danger, they face trauma head on. Addressing these situations might lead to adrenaline rushes or feelings of dissociation, just to function in the heat of the moment.
Repeated, Ongoing Traumatic Events
First responders don’t just deal with one traumatic event. They have to face these situations day in and day out. There is little to no respite for first responders. While processing one traumatic event, they have to grapple with another. It can feel like an onslaught of vicarious trauma, and it’s one of the reasons that so many first responders end up leaving their fields.
Emotional Attachment to Trauma Victims
If you’ve ever been unable to help someone you truly care about, you know just how gutting it can be. First responders have the ability to help many people, and even save lives. But sometimes, their efforts are not enough. There are times when first responders do everything they can to save someone, yet the situation is too dire for their actions to have a real impact. It can be impossibly hard for a first responder to walk away from a situation knowing that they were powerless to change the outcome.
Difficult Working Conditions
In addition to the trying nature of these jobs, first responders also have to operate under harsh working conditions. For example, they might work night shifts, with schedules that differ from most of their friends. Many first responders have a high level of responsibility while bringing home small paychecks. It’s common for first responders to struggle with intense burnout, and they may not get much time off to recuperate.
Pressure to Suppress Emotions
First responders might feel like they’re unable to share what they’ve seen with their loved ones because it’s disturbing, upsetting, or violent. They may not want to burden their support system with stories that will stir up sadness. As a result, they end up suppressing their emotions.
Furthermore, first responders cannot express these emotions while they’re helping trauma victims. Instead, they must remain stoic and stay focused to carry out their life-saving work. They might assume that their coworkers are simply tougher and don’t feel the same way. Therefore, they keep their feelings bottled up inside and don’t share their thoughts, even with others who can understand their circumstances. A therapist who has experience supporting first responders can provide a safe, confidential space for vulnerability.
–
Are you a first responder struggling with the effects of vicarious trauma? Working with a trauma therapist can help. Connect with us to learn more about our in-person and virtual therapy options.