Compassion Fatigue is the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of helping others. It’s a natural consequence of caring deeply, but it doesn’t have to lead to burnout- working (mentally, emotionally, or physically) too much and for too long- or a loss of passion for helping others. By learning to recognize the signs, practicing self-care, and seeking support, you can prevent and recover from compassion fatigue.
If you’re in the position of supporting others who are experiencing it, this requires empathy, practical help, and encouragement to help them in their healing process. Maintaining emotional health and well-being is essential not only for the caregivers themselves but for the people they care for. When caregivers heal and thrive, their compassion becomes more sustainable and impactful.
Empathy, sympathy, and compassion
Empathy is identifying with the emotions and experiences of others. Sympathy is feeling your own emotions about what others are experiencing. Compassion is caring about the situation and wanting to help those affected by it. Empathy and compassion fatigue are both considered secondary traumatic stress.
Secondary Trauma:
Seeing or hearing about someone else’s crisis can lead to secondary trauma
Listening to these stories takes its toll on Responders
Stress is cumulative
Continued exposure to trauma produces a greater likelihood to experience secondary trauma
An event will be more traumatic if:
You didn’t expect it
You weren’t prepared for it
You felt powerless to prevent it
It occurs repeatedly
Intentional cruelty
A childhood occurrence
You’re afraid for your life
Myths we often believe:
It’s my job or responsibility so I can handle this
I’ve seen worse (minimizing)
I have to be strong for everyone else
If I don't meet the need, no one else will
Recognizing the signs early is essential for both caregivers and those supporting them. Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms:
1. Emotional Symptoms:
Chronic Exhaustion: Feeling emotionally drained even after resting.
Depression or Anxiety: Persistent sadness, feelings of dread, or worry. Excessive stressed
Numbing or Detachment: Feeling indifferent or disengaged from patients or loved ones. Feeling numb, detached, or emotionally disconnected
Irritability or Anger: Increased frustration with those who need care or feeling resentful toward the job. Lingering anger
2. Cognitive Symptoms:
Reduced Concentration: Difficulty focusing or remembering tasks.
Negative Thoughts: Constantly thinking about worst-case scenarios or feeling hopeless about helping others.
Loss of Purpose: Feeling disconnected from why you chose this profession or role.
3. Behavioral Symptoms:
Withdrawal: Avoiding social situations or isolating oneself from friends and family.
Neglecting Personal Needs: Ignoring personal well-being, such as skipping meals, not exercising, or avoiding hobbies.
Sleep Disruptions: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to ruminating on work or caregiving.
4. Physical Symptoms:
Headaches and Body Aches: Persistent physical discomfort.
Fatigue: Extreme tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest.
Frequent Illness: Weakened immune system, leading to colds, flus, or other illnesses.
Red Flags for Compassion Fatigue
Difficulty empathizing with patients or loved ones.
Avoiding situations where empathy or care is required.
Dreading going to work or feeling trapped in caregiving roles.
MORE:
Never-ending needs
No distinction between home and work
Unhealthy boundaries or lack of boundaries
Generally fatigued over a prolonged period of time and exposure
Caring too much and for too long
Repetitive negative and disturbing thoughts
Feelings of boredom or irritability while serving
Disconnected/Dissatisfied during ministry times
Lack of physical, emotional, or spiritual energy
Avoidance that can lead to drastic escape/flight measures
Overwhelm and hopelessness
Irritation and anxiety
Detachment and numbness
Inability to react to hard news or support others
Dwelling on negative things
Blaming self and others
Apathy about working, performing, succeeding, caring
Lack of focus on important things as well as daily or enjoyable things
Lack of pleasure in what used to be fun or desired
Lack of desire to work
Reduced feelings of empathy and sensitivity
Chronic lateness
Diminished sense of personal accomplishment
Exhaustion (Physical and emotional)
Frequent headaches
Gastrointestinal complaints
Inability to maintain balance of empathy
Increased irritability
Less ability to feel joy
Especially when there’s long term exposure to need
You don’t see change or the possibility of change, feel trapped or in cycles
I’ll wrap up by saying what I heard someone say once:
We are called to care, and God is called to cure.
We simply can’t live under the burden of belief that we are responsible for others in ways that are unrealistic. We do all we can, and we care, but we can’t change circumstances for them and we can’t change their minds for them.
It really is a moment of reflection to ask yourself if you’re putting on your oxygen mask before attempting to put a mask on those around you.
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