The media has a strong, influential role in this current digital world. Therefore, when it comes to secondary trauma, it is easy to listen to people who appear to have it all together. Whether it is you or a loved one dealing with a traumatic situation, how do you overcome it? How do you cope?
This article will focus on what secondary trauma is and how the widened scope of media has a pivotal role in society. It will also discuss how people tend to blend the lines of social media and reality to either comfort or vindicate their trauma.
What Is Secondary Trauma?
Secondary trauma, also known as compassion fatigue, describes the behaviors after witnessing a traumatic client. In addition, it is a natural by-product of working with a traumatized client. If you struggle with addiction and have had a near-death experience, the person who found you could have secondary trauma. The symptoms are similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) including intrusive memories, nightmares, and visualizations. However, people can experience these without witnessing the actual event.
Social workers, therapists, emergency workers, and physicians are the main ones vulnerable to experiencing the signs. According to the Administration for Children and Families, it says, “It is preventable and treatable, however, if unaddressed, the symptoms can result in problems with mental and physical health, strained personal relationships, and poor work performance.”
It is important to check on your loved ones who were there while you were at your lowest. Parents and spouses are the individuals who are some of the most intimate with a person. They are one of the main ones who deal with the past, present, and future versions of yourself. Some people put on a brave face because they do not want you to feel negative emotions for your actions. It is commendable, which is what should motivate you to overcome your addiction if you are struggling.
The Social Media Influence on Secondary Trauma
People have their own opinions, and some people pick and choose which opinions will be vocalized or in private. In this current digital world, this encourages individuals to share those opinions to the world. When media exposes violent events, people have coping mechanisms to help deal with the information. For example, people can use dark humor as a form of denial of the perceived events.
Scrolling endlessly for hours on end can already affect your mental health. It can cause decision fatigue and lead to apathy and isolation. Seeing traumatic events happening in the media is not something everyone can brush off easily. Being shown the reality of the world from Gaza to police brutality can create a fog in the brain and create a sense of hopelessness.
Also, the way the media gives the masses information can create secondary trauma. Whether intentional or not, a perceptible individual might not be able to handle sensitive information well. It could be a tragic dog story to the murder of an innocent baby being left alone for 10 days. Those who deem themselves as empaths can also be vulnerable to experiencing secondary trauma. Empaths are individuals who are so attuned to another person’s feelings that they can feel it themselves. They can easily put themselves into another person’s shoes, so imagine how they can feel when they read or watch a traumatic story.
How To Cope With Secondary Trauma
Creative outlets such as painting, writing poetry, and crocheting can help with coping. Self-care is the best kind of love you can give to yourself. There are also relaxation techniques including yoga that can ease the tension and anxiety. At Renaissance Ranch, we have educational classes taught by professionals who have personal addiction experiences in their relationships. Our educators could relate to you struggling to cope with this trauma and share their stories.
One of the most crucial ways to cope with trauma is to talk to someone. Talking to someone you trust can relieve so much weight off your shoulders and clear the fog in your brain. Asking for help can go a long way at the end of the day. Nonetheless, if you are not able to talk to someone, you can journal, pray, meditate, or join a support group. It is important to know that your pain is normal. Everyone has had to go through this at some point in their life. You are not alone.
How You Can Find Help
Renaissance Ranch offers classes taught by professionals with personal addiction experience in relationships. We also have group therapy included with the recovery model that allows an individual to express themselves while hearing peer perspectives. There are 7 domains in the model which include physical health, mental relationships, and spiritual awakening.
Finding the right care to help treat secondary trauma can be challenging, especially when you are exposed to media outlets on a daily basis. Thankfully, there are ways to help you address, treat, and manage symptoms related to secondary trauma. At Renaissance Ranch, we understand these difficulties and, therefore, provide appropriate programs to help address these issues. Whether secondary trauma has led to mental, behavioral, or substance use issues, we have treatment. With a highly individualized approach to care and an expert staff, we can meet the unique needs of every individual seeking care. If you or a loved one needs help, get help today. To find out more about our programs, please contact us by calling (801) 308-8898.