Secondary Trauma and Media Exposure: What BIPOC Communities and Clinicians Are Carrying Right Now
By: Alexa Zapata, MSW, LSW | PILLARS OF WELLNESS
In times of heightened political and social tension, especially around immigration and racialized violence, many people feel anxious, exhausted, or on edge—even when they are not directly affected. For BIPOC individuals and the clinicians who support them, these reactions are not only understandable, but they are also expected.
This experience is often linked to secondary trauma, which occurs when we absorb the emotional impact of others’ trauma through media, stories, or our work.
Why Media Exposure Hits Differently
For BIPOC communities, media coverage of deportations, raids, police violence, and anti-immigrant rhetoric often activates lived and intergenerational trauma. When harm is repeatedly depicted toward people who share your identity, the nervous system may respond as if the threat is personal and ongoing.
This is not “being too sensitive.”
It is the body’s survival system doing its job: protecting you.
Common Signs of Secondary Trauma
Both clients and clinicians may notice:
- Anxiety or dread after consuming the news
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Emotional exhaustion or numbness
- Irritability, grief, or a persistent sense of danger
For clinicians, especially BIPOC clinicians, this impact can be compounded by holding space for clients while navigating similar stressors themselves.
For Clinicians: The Double Load
BIPOC mental health professionals often carry a dual role: witness and container. When professional exposure overlaps with personal identity and media saturation, the risk for secondary traumatic stress and burnout increases.
Naming this is not a weakness. In fact, it is ethical and trauma-informed practice.
Staying Informed Without Staying Flooded
Being informed does not require constant exposure. Setting boundaries around media intake, limiting graphic content, and checking in with the body after engagement are essential tools—both for clients and clinicians alike.
Reflection Questions
For clients:
- How does my body feel after consuming the news or social media?
- What signals tell me I’ve had “enough” for the day?
- What helps me return to a sense of safety or grounding?
For clinicians:
- How might media exposure be showing up in my body, mood, or clinical work?
- Where do I need stronger boundaries or more support?
- Who helps me process what I’m holding?
Moving Toward Collective Care
Secondary trauma is not an individual failure—it is a collective response to collective harm. In these moments, healing requires more than resilience; it requires community, boundaries, and systemic support.
If things feel heavier right now, that makes sense. You are allowed to care deeply and care for yourself. Both are necessary.
If you or someone you know could benefit from support, Pillars of Wellness is here to help. We have dozens of trained clinicians ready to support you, so please visit pillarsinspires.com or call (219) 323-3311 for more information or to schedule an intake. Most insurances are accepted.