Join Derrick & Friends for "Vicarious Trauma" with Warriors for Life (WFL) Online Peer Support Network

Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
Oct 1
2 min read

Join our Volunteer, Army Veteran & Peer Support Specialist/Supervisor Derrick Iozzio TONIGHT for "Forever Forward!" edition of Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, sponsored and presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV).

We are asking everyone to share who we are and what support that Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) is providing via WFL. If you know someone who is a veteran, first responder or a family member/caregiver, please ask them to join us for at least one meeting so they can learn more about what we do and how they can share their wisdom with others who may be able to learn from them.

TONIGHT's Topic: "Vicarious Trauma!"

Join Derrick and Friends TONIGHT as we talk about "Vicarious Trauma!" A discussion about helping others.

Vicarious trauma, also known as secondary traumatic stress, is a phenomenon where a person experiences emotional and psychological distress after witnessing or hearing about the traumatic experiences of others. It occurs when an individual absorbs the emotional impact of another person's trauma, even though they did not directly experience it themselves.

14 Signs of Vicarious Trauma

Causes

Vicarious trauma can occur in individuals who:

Work with trauma survivors, such as therapists, social workers, or healthcare professionals
Witness or hear about traumatic events, such as through news reports, social media, or personal accounts
Have a close relationship with someone who has experienced trauma

Symptoms

The symptoms of vicarious trauma can vary widely and may include:

Intrusive thoughts and flashbacks
Emotional numbness or detachment
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Sleep disturbances
Changes in appetite
Physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue
Anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Impact

Vicarious trauma can have a significant impact on an individual's personal and professional life. It can lead to: Reduced job performance, Relationship difficulties, Substance abuse, and Self-harm.

Prevention and Treatment

To prevent vicarious trauma, it is important to:

Set healthy boundaries
Take care of one's own mental health
Seek support from colleagues, friends, or a therapist
Engage in self-care activities, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature

Strategies to Help Cope with Vicarious Trauma

Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Forever Forward!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Thursday (TONIGHT), October 2, 2025, @ 4:30 PM PT, 5:30 PM MT, 6:30 PM CT, & 7:30 PM ET

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81682532691

Thank you,

Derrick Iozzio,

Army Veteran, Peer Support Specialist/Supervisor, Catch 22 Peer Support Founder, & Volunteer Facilitator, Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV)