The Psychological Toll of Working in Cybersecurity - When You Can't Unsee What You've Seen

Are you prepared for the psychological toll that comes with handling disturbing content in the cybersecurity world?

Welcome to Razorwire, where today we’re exploring the realities behind a career in cyber — from technical warfare to the often-overlooked human cost.
In this episode, I’m joined by therapist and consultant Eve Parmiter to examine the real psychological impact of repeated exposure to distressing material that many of us face during incident investigations, content moderation and threat research.

Eve draws on her background in trauma therapy and real-world experiences both inside and outside of cybersecurity. Together, we discuss why even seasoned professionals struggle to talk about their experiences, how secondary trauma manifests in our daily lives, and what can actually help in environments that don’t provide enough support.

If you’ve ever had to investigate colleagues, review disturbing material, or make impossible decisions under pressure, this conversation will resonate. We don’t shy away from hard truths, but we do focus on practical ways to build resilience and find some measure of satisfaction in doing the right thing – even when it’s difficult.

🎯 In this episode: Understand the true impact of secondary trauma in cyber roles
Break down the difference between stress, burnout, and trauma specific to cybersecurity professions. Learn how exposure to disturbing content changes your outlook – and why it’s not a personal weakness. Learn why most pros don’t talk about their struggles and how to break the silence
Eve explains why lacking the right language keeps many from processing what they experience. Get insight into building peer support systems and practical organisational responses. Discover tested strategies for coping and recovery
Leave with actionable advice straight from the worlds of therapy and cyber on how to protect yourself, when to seek help, and the importance of cultivating supportive communities.

🎧 Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform:
(https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen)

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🔍 In This Episode, We Covered:

• The Psychological Impact of Difficult Materials – Why exposure to traumatic or distressing digital content leads to anxiety, depression and long-term worldview shifts.
• Challenges Discussing Trauma in Cybersecurity – How professionals can overcome their reluctance to share experiences due to lacking the language or organisational support.
• Primary vs Secondary Traumatic Stress – How both direct and indirect exposure can cause PTSD-like symptoms.
• Vicarious Trauma and Moral Distress – How ethical dilemmas and repeated exposure change how people interact with their environment and others.
• Overcoming Isolation in Infosec Roles – Strategies to reduce the solitary nature of cyber jobs and create safe spaces to process experiences.
• Organisational Support Structures – How to build policies, peer groups, and access to therapy that actually helps.
• Coping Tools and Tech – Practical strategies and moderation tools that reduce harm without reducing impact.
• Resilience and Meaning – The importance of support, positive reinforcement, and staying focused on doing good.
• Mental Health Resources in Cybersecurity – Where to find help, community, and language for what you’re going through.

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🗣️ Why Self Care Isn’t Enough for Trauma

“You can’t self care your way out of trauma. There is no amount of bubble baths or ice baths that are going to remove certain images or certain experiences.”
— Eve Parmiter

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📚 Resources Mentioned

• Mental Health and Cybersecurity Foundation
• (https://www.eveparmiter.com)

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🎙️ Connect with your host James Rees
Hi, I’m James Rees, the host of the Razorwire podcast. This show brings you insights from leading cyber security professionals who dedicate their careers to making a hacker’s life that much more difficult.

Our guests bring experience and expertise from a range of disciplines and career stages – from seasoned leaders with years of hard-won knowledge, to emerging voices bringing fresh perspectives.

With new episodes every other Wednesday, Razorwire is the podcast for cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts alike, offering insight, clarity, and practical ideas for staying one step ahead.

📧 Questions or topic suggestions? Email: podcast@razorthorn.com
🌐 Visit: (https://www.razorthorn.com) – for consulting and a personalised, integrated approach to security.

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📍 Website: (https://www.razorthorn.com)