Vicarious trauma, also called secondary trauma, is a type of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that occurs when people absorb the emotional weight of others’ distress. First responders, therapists, healthcare workers, and caregivers are especially vulnerable, but anyone consistently exposed to others’ suffering can be affected. As with other forms of PTSD, understanding the root of […]
Not All PTSD Is the Same! Common Forms of Trauma and What to Do About Them
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often thought of as a single condition, but it varies according to the nature of the trauma and how the brain processes it. Why is this worth mentioning? Just like you might treat food poisoning differently from the flu, the different types of PTSD require a tailored approach to get […]
Why Substance Use Feels Like an Escape from PTSD
Sometimes, the mind finds ways to cope with memories it can’t seem to push into oblivion – though it desperately wishes it could. These ways might seem a bit reckless, yet to someone who’s been grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), they feel like a brief, much-needed release from their daily struggles. Why substance use […]
Debunking 3 Common Myths About PTSD
When someone lives through a traumatic event, they may begin experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, and nightmares. If these symptoms worsen, interfere with the person’s daily routine, or persist for an extended period of time (months or years), it’s referred to as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This mental health condition is quite common—in fact, […]