When Helping Hurts: Unmasking the Hidden Trauma Behind Burnout

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In this powerful solo episode of Growing Tall Poppies, host Dr. Nat Green uncovers a hidden truth affecting thousands of health and helping professionals: the exhaustion, numbness, and loss of purpose you’re feeling may not just be burnout—it could be vicarious trauma.

While burnout is widely discussed, vicarious trauma often goes unrecognized. It’s the quiet, cumulative cost of absorbing the pain, stories, and suffering of others. In this episode, Dr. Nat explains how vicarious trauma differs from burnout and compassion fatigue, and why so many well-meaning professionals silently suffer without realizing what's really going on.

You’ll hear some more of her own story, gain clarity on the emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and existential symptoms of vicarious trauma, and discover gentle, practical steps for resetting your nervous system and reconnecting with your true self.

This is a must-listen for anyone who feels like they’ve lost their spark, identity, or joy in the work they once loved.

🗂️ Timestamps & Episode Flow:

• 00:00 – Welcome & Why This Episode Matters
• 01:40 – What Is Vicarious Trauma (And Why It’s So Often Missed)
• 03:39 – Signs & Symptoms: Emotional, Cognitive, Behavioral, and Existential
• 05:59 – Why This Goes Deeper Than Burnout
• 12:37 – Dr. Nat’s Personal Story & What She Learned
• 20:55 – Steps to Begin Healing: Regulating the Nervous System, Micro-Moments of Joy & Identity Reconnection
• 25:40 – Final Reflections + Invitation to Go Deeper

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• The hidden emotional toll of working in helping professions
• How vicarious trauma differs from burnout and compassion fatigue
• Why mindset work alone isn’t enough—you need nervous system repair
• The quiet grief of identity loss in your professional role

✨ Mentioned in This Episode:

• 🌱 Learn more about the Rising Phoenix program: DM Dr Nat on socials

💬 Let’s Connect:
If this episode resonated with you, take a screenshot, share it in your Instagram stories, and tag @drnatgreen—let’s spread this message to every exhausted health professional who needs to hear it.

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Intro and Outro music: Inspired Ambient by Playsound.

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be deemed or treated as psychological treatment or to replace the need for psychological treatment.