Secondary Trauma

Secondary Trauma is a trauma that you have witnessed but not experienced firsthand such as abuse, violence, crime, natural disaster, and other tragic events. 

Secondary trauma can result from seeing or hearing another person’s traumatic experience or witnessing distressing events on the news and social media, such as the devastating events that have happened in our state and country in the past few weeks.

Secondary trauma is not a diagnosis but it can affect anyone at any time. Symptoms may include difficulty in sleeping, changes in appetite, mood swings, tiredness, easily startled, sadness, and separation anxiety (particularly in children). If you think you or your child may be experiencing secondary trauma, it can impact your mental health. It is important to:

• Recognise and process the feelings
• Talk to a trusted adult or friend
• Connect with others – organise a play date for your child, have coffee with a friend
• Reassure your child or yourself that you are safe
• Limit exposure to triggers such as watching or listening to the news, social media apps, etc. Parents and carers need to pay careful attention to what their children are exposed to online. Distressing news items can appear in a variety of social media apps and other sites even if you think they are safe for children.
• Focus on self-care by looking after yourself. Do activities that are calming and relaxing (remember that this will be different for each individual) e.g. reading, gardening, walking the dog, baking, swimming, listening to music.
• Practice gratitude. Be thankful for the big and little things in your life. 
• Chat with your child’s teacher if you think your child is experiencing secondary trauma so that the child can be supported at school.
• Seek professional support e.g. doctor, psychologist, counsellor if the reaction is severe or prolonged.
• Remember Kids Helpline is there 24/7 for kids aged 5 – 25 years to talk about any worries. Phone: 1800 55 1800

If you require further support, please contact me via phone, email, or in person. 

I will leave you with this thought: 

“By taking care of myself I have so much more to offer the world than I do when I am running on empty.” –  Ali Washington

Find your happy place!

Katrina Victor-Gordon   

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader