Ever feel emotionally exhausted after talking to a friend in crisis? Or catch yourself replaying someone else’s painful story long after they’ve stopped telling it? You might be experiencing vicarious trauma—and you’re not alone.

In this episode of MedHeads, we dive into the lesser-known but deeply real impact of vicarious trauma: the emotional and physiological toll of repeatedly witnessing or hearing about someone else’s pain. You don’t have to directly experience trauma to feel its effects. Sometimes, simply caring deeply is enough to activate your nervous system as if it’s happening to you.

We explore how the brain processes trauma—even secondhand—by triggering similar neural pathways and stress responses. If you’re constantly tired, more irritable, numb, or anxious for no clear reason, it might be time to look deeper.

This episode is for parents, teachers, healthcare workers, partners, friends—anyone who listens and cares. You’ll learn how to recognize the signs, set boundaries, protect your empathy and give your brain the reset it desperately needs.

Because being there for others shouldn’t mean losing yourself in the process.

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