Is secondary traumatic stress the same as burnout?

No. They can overlap, but secondary traumatic stress is tied to exposure to trauma while burnout is tied more broadly to chronic work stress and depleted recovery.

Glossary

Secondary traumatic stress

Secondary traumatic stress describes stress symptoms that can come from being close to someone else's trauma, including intrusive thoughts, sleep trouble, avoidance, numbness, or feeling on edge.

Choose your state Check billing codes

Why it matters

Doulas can be affected by trauma they witness or hear about. Recognizing secondary traumatic stressSecondary traumatic stressSecondary traumatic stress describes stress symptoms that can come from being close to someone else's trauma, including intrusive thoughts, sleep trouble, avoidance, numbness, or feeling on edge. makes it easier to seek support without waiting for a crisis.

Signs of doula burnout Vicarious trauma explainer Burnout research article