The Hidden Impact: Understanding Secondary PTSD in Partners of Canadian First Responders

The first responder community in Canada bravely faces challenging situations. While we increasingly recognize the experiences of first responders living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a hidden burden often falls on their partners and spouses. These individuals, the steady pillars of support, can develop a condition known as Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) or Vicarious Traumatization. This article explores secondary PTSD, how it shows up, the difficulties in identifying it, and the essential resources available in Canada, especially in Alberta.

Trauma’s Ripple Effect: How PTSD Affects Partners

A first responder’s PTSD doesn’t exist by itself. It has a broad impact, significantly affecting the lives of those closest to them. Partners don’t directly experience the traumatic event, but constant exposure to the first responder’s symptoms, personality changes, and the strain on the relationship creates a unique form of trauma. This indirect exposure can lead to symptoms that mirror those of PTSD, hence the term “secondary” PTSD. PTSD in first responders can significantly alter family dynamics.

The emotional world of a partner living with a first responder suffering from PTSD can become very challenging. Constant worry, fear for the first responder’s safety, and dread of potential triggers become a daily reality. Imagine a partner in Calgary, constantly checking in on their spouse, anxious about their emotional state, even during routine outings. This hypervigilance, a key feature of PTSD, can become ingrained in the partner’s mind as well. Recognizing PTSD signs is crucial for early intervention.

The impact goes beyond emotions. The weight of caregiving can be physically draining. Partners often take on more household responsibilities, managing finances, childcare, and daily chores, all while supporting a first responder struggling with their own ability to function. The partner might have sleep problems, experiencing nightmares that reflect the first responder’s experiences. A spouse in Edmonton might find themselves tossing and turning, haunted by images described by their partner, even though they were never directly involved in the traumatic event. This constant state of heightened stress can lead to physical issues like chronic fatigue, headaches, and digestive problems, mirroring some of the physical signs of PTSD in first responders. The impact of vicarious trauma should not be underestimated.

Understanding the Symptoms: A Closer Look

The signs and symptoms of secondary PTSD in partners are wide-ranging and fall into four main categories: behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and physical. Understanding these categories is essential to recognizing the subtle, and sometimes obvious, ways this condition shows itself.

1. Behavioral Signs: Actions Speak Volumes

Behavioral changes are often the most visible signs of secondary PTSD. One major sign is the increased caregiver burden. Partners may find themselves taking on a much larger share of household tasks, becoming the primary manager of the home. This isn’t just helping out; it becomes necessary due to the first responder’s reduced ability to manage daily life. This can also lead to social isolation. As the first responder withdraws from social interactions due to their PTSD, the partner often does the same, either out of support, a need to provide constant care, or because social situations trigger the first responder.

Another significant behavioral change is avoidance. Partners might avoid conversations about the first responder’s trauma, staying away from topics that could cause a negative reaction. They might also avoid situations, like watching certain movies or news, that could remind the first responder of their experiences. This avoidance, meant to protect the first responder, can stifle communication and create a feeling of walking on eggshells. A more serious behavioral change is difficulty with daily function. The spouse, feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and exhausted, may become unable to do everyday tasks.

Changes in how partners communicate are another sign. Open and easy communication can become strained, marked by conflict, misunderstandings, or withdrawal from meaningful conversation. The partner might find it hard to express their own needs and feelings, fearing it will further burden the first responder or trigger an episode.

2. Emotional Signs: The Internal Struggle

The emotional toll of secondary PTSD is often the most intense. One major sign is secondary traumatic stress (STS) itself. This is where the partner experiences symptoms very similar to PTSD, despite not having directly experienced the trauma. These can include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and hypervigilance – all stemming from the indirect exposure to the first responder’s trauma. Secondary Traumatic Stress for partners is a serious concern.

Beyond STS, partners often experience general psychological distress. This can include anxiety, depression, feelings of hopelessness, and emotional exhaustion. The constant stress and worry, combined with the emotional burden of supporting a loved one with PTSD, can lead to feeling overwhelmed and drained.

Emotional numbing is another common response. Partners may feel detached or disconnected from their own emotions, or from the emotions of others. This can be a defense mechanism, a way to cope with the overwhelming emotional intensity. However, it can also lead to isolation and less capacity for empathy and connection.

Increased irritability and anger are also common. Partners may experience heightened irritability, shorter tempers, and trouble managing anger. This can result from chronic stress, lack of sleep, and emotional exhaustion. It can also be a sign of underlying frustration and resentment that builds over time. There can also be feelings of guilt and shame. The spouse may start to feel responsible for the trauma the first responder experienced. Fear and worry also play a big role. The spouse will constantly worry about their partner.

3. Cognitive Signs: The Mind Under Pressure

Secondary PTSD also affects cognitive functioning, impacting how partners think and process information. Intrusive thoughts are a common cognitive symptom. These are unwanted and upsetting thoughts related to the first responder’s trauma or its impact on the family. They can be persistent and hard to control, intruding on the partner’s daily life and causing distress.

Difficulty concentrating is another frequent issue. Partners may find it hard to focus, remember things, or make decisions. This can be due to the constant state of hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, or the overall emotional exhaustion.

Negative thoughts can become widespread. Partners may develop constant negative thoughts about themselves, the first responder, or the world. This can lead to pessimism, hopelessness, and a lower sense of self-worth.

Hypervigilance, as mentioned before, is a state of being constantly on guard for potential threats. This results from indirect exposure to trauma and constant worry about the first responder’s well-being.

4. Physical Signs: The Body’s Reaction

The body often bears the brunt of chronic stress, and secondary PTSD is no exception. Sleep disturbances are very common. Partners may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or have nightmares. These nightmares may or may not be directly related to the first responder’s trauma, but they often reflect the underlying stress and anxiety the partner experiences.

Fatigue is another common physical symptom. Partners may feel constantly tired, even after getting enough sleep. This results from chronic stress, the emotional burden, and the physical demands of caregiving.

Physical health problems can also develop. Stress contributes to various physical issues, including headaches, stomach problems, and chronic pain. Partners experiencing secondary PTSD may be more prone to these stress-related health problems.

Real-Life Examples: Seeing the Impact

The signs and symptoms described above don’t exist in isolation; they appear in real-life situations, affecting daily routines and relationships. Here are some examples:

• Scenario 1: Avoiding the News: A spouse might avoid watching the news with their first responder partner, fearing that reports of accidents or violence will trigger flashbacks or anxiety. This avoidance limits their access to information and can create isolation.

• Scenario 2: Constant Checking: A partner might find themselves constantly checking on their spouse, worrying about their safety and emotional state, even when the first responder is doing safe activities. This hypervigilance can be exhausting and prevent the partner from fully engaging in their own life.

• Scenario 3: Nightmares: A spouse might experience vivid nightmares related to the first responder’s traumatic experiences, even though they were never directly exposed to those events. These nightmares can disrupt sleep, increase anxiety, and blur the lines between the first responder’s trauma and the partner’s own emotional experience.

• Scenario 4: The Overwhelmed Caregiver: A partner might feel completely overwhelmed by managing the household, caring for children, and supporting the first responder, all while trying to keep their own job and personal life. This can lead to burnout, resentment, and feeling trapped.

• Scenario 5: The Silent Treatment: A spouse may notice that arguments are more frequent, or communication may stop altogether.

These are just a few examples of how secondary PTSD can show up in everyday life. Specific experiences will vary depending on the individual, the nature of the first responder’s trauma, and the relationship dynamics.

Triggers: The Hidden Dangers

Just as first responders with PTSD have triggers that can cause intense reactions, partners experiencing secondary PTSD can also be triggered. These triggers are often related to reminders of the first responder’s trauma or the secondary effects of the first responder’s PTSD.

• Direct Reminders: News reports, movies, or conversations about accidents, violence, or trauma can be powerful triggers. Even documentaries or fictional stories can cause strong emotional responses.

• Anniversaries: Dates linked to the first responder’s traumatic experiences, such as the anniversary of a difficult event or a loss, can be hard for partners. These dates can trigger anxiety, sadness, and fear.

• Sensory Stimuli: Loud noises, like fireworks or car backfires, specific smells, or visual cues that remind the first responder of their trauma can also trigger reactions in the partner. This is because the partner has learned to associate these stimuli with the first responder’s distress.

• First Responder’s Symptoms: Witnessing the first responder’s flashbacks, nightmares, emotional outbursts, or avoidance behaviors can be very distressing for the partner and trigger their own secondary trauma symptoms.

• Stressful Life Events: Major life changes, like job loss, financial problems, or relationship issues, can worsen existing stress and trigger secondary trauma symptoms. These events add to the already heavy burden they carry.

• Social Situations: Large crowds, public places, or social gatherings that may trigger the first responder’s anxiety can also affect the partner. The partner may feel anxious or on edge, anticipating the first responder’s reaction and worrying about their well-being.

Identification Challenges: Why Secondary PTSD is Often Missed

Identifying secondary PTSD in partners of first responders can be difficult for several reasons:

• Overlap with Other Conditions: Symptoms of secondary trauma, like anxiety, depression, and sleep problems, can resemble those of other mental health conditions. This overlap makes it hard for healthcare providers, and even the partners themselves, to distinguish between secondary PTSD and other conditions.

• Lack of Self-Reporting: Partners may be hesitant to seek help. They may prioritize the first responder’s needs, feeling their own struggles are less important. They may also feel guilty about feeling distressed, believing they shouldn’t complain since they weren’t directly traumatized.

• Focus on the First Responder: Healthcare providers often focus on the first responder’s PTSD. This can lead to the partner’s mental health needs being overlooked.

• Stigma: Partners may feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit they are struggling. They may fear judgment or being seen as weak.

• Normalization: Partners may think their reactions are normal or expected when living with a traumatized person. They may not realize their symptoms are a condition that needs professional help.

• Distinguishing between issues:It can be hard to determine if the distress is from what their partner went through, or a mental health issue of their own.

Secondary Trauma’s Impact: A Deeper Look

Secondary trauma, also called vicarious traumatization, is more than just symptoms; it’s a deep experience that can significantly impact a partner’s life. The consequences can affect their emotional well-being, relationships, physical health, and overall quality of life.

As mentioned earlier, partners can develop PTSD-like Symptoms. These can include intrusive thoughts related to the first responder’s trauma, nightmares, avoidance of anything that reminds them of the trauma, a heightened startle response, and negative changes in thoughts.

The ongoing stress and exposure to the first responder’s trauma can lead to Emotional Distress. Feelings of anxiety, sadness, hopelessness, and being overwhelmed are common.

The strain of secondary trauma can severely impact Relationship Problems. Conflict will increase, communication will decrease, and emotional and physical intimacy will decline.

The partner’s Caregiver Burden can cause them to feel exhausted, stressed, and burned out by caring for the first responder.

The constant stress and emotional turmoil can lead to a Lower Quality of Life. They will experience less satisfaction and fulfillment.

Insomnia is frequent, a direct result of the stress response, it leads to Physical Health Problems.

All of this negatively impacts the partner’s Reduced Functioning. This can be seen as difficulty doing daily tasks, maintaining social relationships, and decreased work performance.

Studies show that partners experience Increased Distress when first responders experience severe PTSD symptoms.

Finding Help: Resources and Support in Alberta

Fortunately, resources are available to support partners of Canadian first responders experiencing secondary PTSD. Accessing these resources is vital for the well-being of both the partner and the first responder, and for the family’s overall health.

Alberta-Specific Resources:

• MyHealth.Alberta.ca: This website, maintained by the Alberta government, provides information on PTSD and encourages people to seek treatment from doctors or mental health professionals.

• Diversified Rehabilitation Group: An approved healthcare provider offering specialized mental health care programs for first responders and their families.

• The Support Network (Edmonton): This organization offers a 211 service, a helpline that connects people to community and social services, including mental health support.

• Calgary Counselling Centre: This centre provides various counseling services, including individual, couple, and family therapy. They may have therapists with experience working with first responder families or trauma.

• Access 24/7 (Edmonton): Provides support and resources for mental health and addiction.

• Distress Centre (Calgary): Offers crisis support and resources.

• 211 Alberta: Province-wide resource to connect with local supports.

Discreet Access to Resources:

One barrier to seeking help is fear of stigma or wanting privacy. Many resources can be accessed discreetly:

• Online Resources: Many organizations offer information and resources online, allowing partners to learn about secondary PTSD and explore support options privately.

• Phone Helplines: Helplines, like the 211 service, provide a confidential way to speak with someone about concerns and access information about local resources.

• Direct Contact: Calling a local mental health organization directly, allows for confidential questions and discussion of services.

Next Steps with Responders First

Secondary PTSD in partners of Canadian first responders is a serious issue that needs more recognition and support. By understanding the signs, acknowledging the identification challenges, and providing access to resources, we can help these unsung heroes receive the care they need. The well-being of first responder families depends on all its members, and addressing secondary PTSD is crucial to building stronger, more resilient families across Alberta. Contact Responders First to learn more about how we can support you and your family.

Don Davis

15+ years of emergency response experience. Passionate about connecting our first responder communities with critical resources. Author of hundreds of articles and guides on First Responders mental health care. When not responding to emergencies, you can find me playing with my dogs, hiking, or enjoying a good book.