The terms “vicarious trauma” and “compassion fatigue” remain vital in the important, ongoing, and evolving discussions around mental health and well-being within the legal profession. While these experiences often come hand-in-hand, understanding both conditions and their subtle differences will support a healthy law practice and personal life.
According to Psychology Today, vicarious trauma arises “when someone is indirectly exposed to trauma by hearing about or witnessing another person’s traumatic experiences.” Such trauma is common amongst those working in medicine, emergency services, education, and law and may have a lasting impact on one’s personal life and world view. The Disciplinary Board’s newsletter, now The Keystone Lex, first published an article on vicarious trauma in 2022, detailing its symptoms and offering strategies to reduce the risk of vicarious trauma.
Our northern colleagues at the Law Society of British Columbia recently published an article on compassion fatigue in the legal profession, noting that “it develops when legal professionals are repeatedly exposed to the suffering of others and/or traumatic material, such as graphic evidence, client testimonies or disturbing case files — leading them to experience mental and physical exhaustion.” The article recognizes vicarious trauma as a “key element of compassion fatigue.” It also denotes the difference between compassion fatigue and burnout (See the Board’s 2022 article on burnout in partnership with Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania.) while acknowledging the connection between vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout.
The toll that unchecked aggravators take on the physical, mental, and emotional health of an individual cannot be overstated. It can have tremendous consequences in one’s personal life and may create patterns of behavior effectuating professional misconduct and necessitating discipline. Psychology Today cites self-care practices, professional support, healthy boundaries, a strong network, and organizational support as crucial to combatting both vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue.
For practical personal techniques to support lawyer mental health, refer to the Board’s articles on preventative wellness strategies, mindfulness and meditation, and grounding techniques.