Why traumatic work can be addictive

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Professionals in high-trauma fields often describe an intense emotional connection to their work, a dynamic that almost feels addictive. The emotional highs of crisis intervention, combined with a strong sense of purpose, can deepen people into trauma-related roles. However, this prolonged exposure to trauma can lead to secondary trauma, and when combined with personal trauma, the effects can be overwhelming.

The emotional intensity of helping survivors of distress, whether in psychology, social work, or emergency response, creates a strong sense of purpose that is hard to break away from; sometimes it can feel addictive. Psychologist Charles Figley, a pioneering trauma researcher, explained that empathy often draws practitioners into these roles, but also makes them vulnerable to emotional exhaustion.

“Addiction” to traumatic work is not about seeking a thrill, but rather comes from an emotional cycle that can be difficult to break. Repeated exposure to trauma activates the body’s stress response system, releasing adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones create a temporary rush, making work feel energizing in the short term. However, without limits, this cycle leads to emotional exhaustion. Over time, the stress of constant crisis mode blurs the line between professional commitment and personal well-being, resulting in secondary trauma.

Understanding secondary trauma

Secondary trauma, also known as vicarious trauma, refers to the emotional cost of being exposed to other people’s traumatic experiences. Unlike direct trauma, secondary trauma occurs when people absorb the traumatic stories and emotions of those they help. Research by Bride (2007) noted that therapists, social workers, and health professionals often experience symptoms similar to PTSD, such as intrusive thoughts, emotional numbing, and hypervigilance.

Secondary trauma is not limited to extreme cases; it may arise from the cumulative effect of regularly engaging with clients who recount traumatic experiences. This often leads practitioners to emotionally distance themselves in order to cope, which can lead to compassion fatigue—burnout from ongoing empathy and, often, detachment from it.

Secondary trauma is not just an occupational hazard. For many, it hits hardest when it intersects with unresolved personal trauma.

When secondary trauma and the personal collide

For professionals with their own history of personal trauma, secondary trauma can be even more intense. Personal trauma can resurface when they witness similar stories from clients, leading to unresolved feelings. This overlap between the practitioner’s trauma and the client’s trauma creates an emotional overload that is difficult to manage. Figley (1995) called this “traumatic countertransference,” as a practitioner’s past trauma influences their emotional responses to clients, making boundaries more difficult to maintain.

A study by Zerach et al. (2017) found that mental health professionals with unresolved personal trauma were more likely to experience secondary trauma and burnout. The convergence of personal and secondary trauma complicates the ability to separate work from personal distress. Over time, this emotional overload manifests as irritability, emotional withdrawal, difficulty concentrating, and even physical symptoms such as headaches or insomnia.

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Strategies for managing secondary and personal trauma

Although the combination of secondary and personal trauma can be overwhelming, there are effective strategies for managing both in a balanced and healthy way. The key is to adopt approaches that address both professional and personal aspects of trauma.

1. Awareness of triggers. Recognizing when personal trauma is caused by secondary trauma is crucial. Self-awareness is the first step in managing the emotional responses that arise. Reflective or daily practices can help identify patterns of emotions and thoughts, making it easier to distinguish when your reactions stem from personal and professional issues.

2. Therapeutic Support. Professionals dealing with trauma exposure often benefit from their therapy or supervision. Having a safe space to process both secondary and personal trauma can ease the build-up of emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) have been shown to help people process traumatic memories and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

In addition, regular supervision or consultation with colleagues in trauma work allows difficult cases to be processed without taking on the emotional weight alone. This type of support network can reduce the isolation that comes with traumatic work.

3. Establish emotional boundaries. Establishing clear boundaries is critical in trauma work. While empathy is essential, overidentifying customers’ pain can lead to burnout. Professionals must find a balance between caring and maintaining sufficient distance to protect their emotional well-being. Techniques such as compartmentalization, in which professionals mentally separate work from their personal lives, can help preserve emotional resources.

4. Grounding and self-care techniques. Grounding techniques such as mindfulness or body-based practices such as yoga can help practitioners stay present and avoid being overwhelmed by trauma. Research by Berceli and Napoli (2007) highlighted that mindfulness-based practices reduce stress and increase emotional regulation in professionals exposed to trauma. Additionally, engaging in physical self-care, whether through exercise, hobbies, or rest, provides an essential outlet for releasing accumulated stress.

5. Take breaks and take a step back. Trauma professionals need to take regular breaks to recharge. Overexposure to trauma can lead to desensitization or burnout if breaks are not prioritized. Even short periods of time away from intense cases can provide the emotional break to fully and healthily re-engage.

Managing secondary trauma and personal trauma is an ongoing process. It requires a combination of self-awareness, professional support and regular self-care. The emotional intensity of trauma work can feel addictive, but without careful attention, it can lead to burnout or worsen personal trauma. By recognizing emotional complexities and using reflective strategies, professionals can maintain a healthy balance that allows them to continue their life work while protecting their mental health.

In the end, the goal is not to avoid the intensity of traumatic work, but to engage with it in a sustainable and encouraging way, both for those who receive help and for those who help.

To find a therapist, visit Psychology Today’s Therapy Directory.