•Who is at risk for secondary trauma? <br>
•What are some common symptoms of secondary trauma? <br>
•Why should organizations be concerned about secondary trauma and its impact on their staff? <br> <br>
 
 
What Is Secondary Trauma? <br> <br>
Secondary trauma is commonly referred to as "the stress resulting from helping or wanting to help a traumatized or suffering person." <br> <br>
 
 
 
Who is at risk for secondary trauma? <br> <br>
All professionals, paraprofessionals or family members who work with and/or assist traumatized or distressed children, adults or families. Examples of such professionals: <br>
 
•psychotherapists <br>
•nurses <br>
•teachers  <br>
•hospice workers  <br>
•foster parents  <br>
•counselors <br>
•mental health counselors  <br>
•suicide hotline staff  <br>
•prison guards  <br>
•child welfare workers <br>
•social workers  <br>
•journalists <br>
•firefighters <br>
•physicians <br>
•judges <br>
Etc. <br> <br> 
 
What are some common symptoms of secondary trauma?<br> <br> 
 
•intrusive thoughts <br> 
•chronic fatigue <br> 
•sadness <br> 
•anger <br> 
•poor concentration<br> 
•second guessing<br> 
•detachment<br> 
•emotional exhaustion<br> 
•fearfulness<br> 
•shame<br> 
•physical illness<br> 
•absenteeism<br> <br> 
 
Why should organizations be concerned about secondary trauma and its impact on their staff?<br> <br> 
 
Secondary trauma is a contributing factor to turnover. Turnover brings down staff morale, increases the workload for remaining staff, results in poor continuity of care for children and families, and prevents organizations from forming a high functioning and cohesive workforce. In addition, the quality and quantity of a staff member’s work may suffer if they have been secondarily traumatized and do not receive assistance. 
 
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