Fans and players were devastated Monday night when Buffalo Bills’ 24-year-old safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field, going into cardiac arrest. His uncle, Dorrian Glenn, revealed he had to be resuscitated twice on Monday. Hamlin remains in the University of Cincinnati Medical Center’s intensive care unit in critical condition. While we pray for his full recovery, we also need to have a conversation about the impact of witnessing a life-threatening event can have on our own mental health.
JaMeshia Sykes, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Anxiety Specialist weighs in on the issue, known as vicarious or secondary trauma.