Can Your Job Cause Trauma? Six Questions to Ask Yourself
At about 4:30 a.m. on January 18, 2022, 27-year-old Michael Odell, a travel nurse working at Stanford Hospital in California, walked off the job during a night shift. Two days later, after being reported missing by his roommate, Odell’s body was found by the Alameda County Sheriff’s dive team in the water near the Dumbarton Bridge in San Francisco, alongside his car.
Joshua Paredes, Odell’s roommate, recounted witnessing Odell’s declining mental health. Odell had been working long hours, recently moved to the area following his mother’s death, and was struggling to find a new therapist after losing his health insurance coverage.
“There were a lot of little gaps he fell into when he moved,” Paredes shared. “I just wish I had listened more or asked him if he was sleeping enough because he was so tired from work. Was it exhaustion, or was it depression? I wish I’d created another opportunity for him to reach out if he wanted to.”
This heartbreaking story illustrates a critical but often overlooked aspect of trauma: it can deeply affect us even if the traumatic event didn’t happen directly to us. In previous discussions, we’ve explored how trauma impacts the brain and behavior. Yet, many mistakenly believe trauma requires a direct, singular event—something like an assault, physical harm, or combat experience—to warrant attention. This misunderstanding can leave individuals in high-stress professions struggling with symptoms they don’t fully recognize as trauma.
Understanding Secondary Trauma
For many professionals, encountering traumatic situations is part of the job. Nurses, first responders, social workers, and others in caregiving or high-stakes roles often face what’s known as secondary trauma—a stress response triggered by exposure to other people’s suffering or crises. While not formally recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), secondary trauma’s effects are very real.
The brain often flags these events as traumatic even when society might not, leading to a mismatch between what feels distressing and what’s culturally acknowledged as trauma. Research consistently shows that professions requiring regular exposure to human suffering or distress—even if indirectly—can lead to symptoms commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Trauma can manifest in unexpected ways. For those in high-stress professions, trauma responses may include:
Emotional exhaustion: Feeling drained, detached, or numb.
Hypervigilance: Constantly feeling on edge or unable to relax.
Intrusive thoughts: Replaying distressing scenarios or conversations.
Difficulty separating work from personal life: Bringing work stress home emotionally or mentally.
Relationship struggles: Disconnecting from loved ones or feeling isolated.
Jobs Where Everyday Tasks Can Be Traumatic
Certain roles inherently involve frequent exposure to difficult situations, making trauma an occupational hazard. Examples include:
Emergency responders: Firefighters, paramedics, and police officers who witness crises daily.
Customer service workers: Handling high volumes of complaints or emotionally charged calls.
Nonprofit professionals: Working with clients who have experienced neglect, abuse, or other hardships.
Healthcare providers: Facing death, illness, and suffering as routine parts of their day.
Six Questions to Assess Your Mental Health
If you work in a high-stress field, it’s crucial to check in with yourself regularly. Ask yourself the following:
Do I have difficulty separating work from my personal life?
Do I ruminate on stories or events I’ve encountered during the workday?
Do I dread going to work because of what may happen?
Do I feel increasingly disconnected from coworkers or loved ones?
Do I sometimes feel my job is more than I can bear?
Have my friends or family expressed concern about how my job is affecting me?
If you answered “yes” to several of these questions, you may be experiencing secondary trauma.
What You Can Do Next
Addressing secondary trauma starts with acknowledging its impact and seeking support. Consider the following steps:
Reach out for help: Therapy can provide tools to process and manage your experiences. Look for professionals experienced in trauma work.
Set boundaries: Protect your personal time by creating firm limits on how much work stress you bring home.
Practice self-care: Prioritize rest, physical activity, and hobbies that help you decompress.
Build a support network: Connect with colleagues, friends, or groups who understand the unique challenges of your field.
Remember, you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. By prioritizing your mental well-being, you’re not only protecting yourself but also ensuring you can continue to show up fully for the important work you do every day.