Workplace Trauma and the Digital Echo: Understanding Secondary Traumatic Stress

Trauma is a complex emotional response to an intensely negative event or series of events that can overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope. It is not defined by the event itself, but rather by the individual’s experience of the event, which can be influenced by past experiences, personal resilience and available support systems.  Critical incidents in the workplace can be traumatic, as they are unexpected, often sudden events that can cause significant emotional distress and overwhelm the normal coping mechanisms of employees. These incidents may include:

Violence or Threats: This could involve physical assaults or threats of harm against employees. Such events can lead to immediate and acute trauma responses due to the direct threat to life and safety.

Serious Workplace Injuries or Deaths: Accidents resulting in severe injury or fatalities can be traumatic for witnesses and colleagues, leading to shock, grief and potential long-term emotional impacts.

Natural Disasters: Events like floods or fires that impact the workplace can cause trauma through loss, fear and disruption of the sense of security.

Job Loss: Sudden layoffs and organisational restructuring can be traumatic due to the abrupt loss of stability, identity, and financial security.

Suicide of a Colleague: The unexpected death of a colleague, especially by suicide, can leave employees grappling with intense grief, guilt and confusion.

Robbery or Burglary: Experiencing or even witnessing a robbery can be traumatic, with the potential for long-lasting psychological effects due to feelings of vulnerability and violation.

In these instances, trauma is considered not just because of the critical incident itself, but because of the intense emotional and psychological toll it takes on those involved. The experience can shatter their sense of normalcy, safety and trust in the workplace. These events can also lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression and other stress-related disorders. Trauma can manifest as physical, psychological, or emotional symptoms and can have long-lasting effects on the individual’s well-being and functioning.

Vicarious trauma, also known as secondary trauma, occurs when an individual is exposed to the traumatic experiences of others, often through their narratives or media representations, leading to a transformative effect on the observer's inner experience. This type of trauma is particularly relevant in professions where individuals work directly with trauma survivors, such as healthcare providers, emergency responders and social workers. However, it can also affect anyone who engages deeply with traumatic content, including distressing news stories.

In today's digital age, the pervasive reach of the media means that graphic images and detailed accounts of crises and suffering are more accessible than ever. Continuous exposure to such content can result in a state of hyperarousal, similar to what might be experienced by those who directly encounter trauma. Symptoms may include increased anxiety, persistent feelings of sorrow or anger, sleep disturbances and intrusive thoughts related to the events witnessed.

Vicarious trauma in the context of media influence is intensified by the 24-hour news cycle and the algorithmic amplification of traumatic content on social media platforms. This constant bombardment can lead to a blurring of lines between personal and secondhand experiences of trauma, as individuals find themselves emotionally and cognitively processing the trauma of others.

I explored this topic through a neuroscience lens in a recent publication in the Journal of Medicine and Clinical Science entitled: ‘Echoes of Distress: Navigating the Neurological Impact of Digital Media on Vicarious Trauma and Resilience’ which can be found here:

https://www.sciencexcel.com/article/echoes-of-distress-navigating-the-neurological-impact-of-digital-media-on-vicarious-trauma-and-resilience

In light of these insights from the world of neuroscience, it's imperative that we cultivate a responsive and supportive work environment, where the mental wellbeing of employees is not left to chance. Organisations need to be cognisant of the potential for vicarious trauma and implement strategies to mitigate its impact. This can include providing training on how to handle distressing content, offering psychological support and fostering a workplace culture that prioritises mental health and encourages regular breaks from media consumption. By ensuring a holistic approach to wellbeing in our increasingly connected world, we can not only navigate, but also mitigate the impacts of trauma in the workplace, fostering a resilient and thriving professional community.