Vicarious/secondary trauma: a factoid

[steve2470]

I think we all know about PTSD. Most humans can only withstand so much "trauma", in the form of rape, wars, earthquakes, etc., before they begin showing symptoms of PTSD.

Likewise, humans can only witness so many victims of trauma and hear their stories before the witnesses begin to be secondarily traumatized or vicariously victimized. It's a fact. It's why most people don't want to be therapists, besides the crappy pay.

This stuff really gets to me, folks. That must be obvious. I have to get away from it more. Just a gentle hint to my sensitive brethren :-)

[meganmonkey]

1. Thanks for the factoid

I may need to take a news break for a day or two myself. It's like an obsession. At least I don't have cable. I'd never get off the couch if I did.

:(

[intheflow]

2. In a country where we moved to war without

any kind of national healing, or even decent mourning periods, after the 2000 election, 9-11, and the last election, this is yet another trauma Bush has inflicted on the country. His answer will probably be to invade Iran. :eyes:

I'm glad you recognize it in yourself, steve2470. You've done some great work organizing these hurricane threads for days now. It's been intense. Have a good break, and we'll see you again when you're ready.

I'm still in denial. :hi:

[applegrove]

3. Being the trauma victim is so much different than hearing about it.

No comparison. Especially important that the victims have some power and don't have to go through the trauma repeatedly. If that is the case..type 1 trauma can turn into type II trauma..and it doesn't matter one iota what your past psychological history is.

We have to get those people out.

[shadowknows69]

4. I definitely fit into that category

I'm horribly hyper-empathic and this has just floored me since it began. Can't work can't sleep can't do anything but look for new info. i'm not usually a news or accident addict (<edit>can't spell) in fact i abhor that aspect of news but somehow I feel like I need to share in as much of these people's misery I can. Its the only thing in my power to do.

[Nikia]

5. My therapist said that I need to take a break from the NO coverage

Personally, watching and reading the coverage gears up my mind and body to go out on a boat and save people. Unfortunately, I cannot do that. At times, empathy can seem like a curse.
Yes, all DUers who really feel when they see and read these stories should take a break if we need it. Thanks for reminding us of that.

[ocean girl]

6. Thank you for reminding us HSPs about this

I'm a Highly Sensitive Person and I've been watching the coverage every night and I just got to the point where I can't handle anymore.

Think I'll donate some money to Oxfam, then go read a book.

Thanks for your work, Steve.