Secondary Stress at Work

Even if you’re not directly experiencing trauma, supporting stressed coworkers or clients can take its toll. This is secondary stress—absorbing the emotional load of others. Over time, it can cause fatigue, irritability, or detachment.

Build boundaries into your workday: take micro-breaks, disconnect from work emails after hours, and schedule regular activities that are unrelated to work. Protecting your energy isn’t avoidance or selfish—it’s what allows you to remain effective in high-stress environments.