3 min read
The Cigarette and the Social Worker: Vicarious Trauma and Nicotine Dependence
Social workers face vicarious trauma—the psychological burden of witnessing others' suffering. Smoking rates are elevated. The cigarette is a coping mechanism for a profession that absorbs the pain of others.
A child protection social worker who has spent the day documenting abuse steps outside for a cigarette. **The cigarette is a coping mechanism—one of the few available for a profession that carries an enormous psychological burden and receives minimal support. Social workers face vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout. Smoking rates are elevated. The profession that helps others cope has few resources for coping itself.**
