Compassion Fatigue

Compassion fatigue is the cumulative physical, emotional and psychological effect of exposure to traumatic stories or events when working in a helping capacity, combined with the strain and stress of everyday life.  You may be a mental health worker, an emergency responder, a medical professional, a pastor, a veterinarian, a parent, a teacher, in law enforcement, in public safety, or an acupuncturist.  Research indicates that your close proximity to the trauma experienced by your clients, patients, students, people whom you serve, or family members can result in your own version of traumatic stress, or compassion fatigue.  It’s important to note that compassion fatigue is different than burnout.  While burnout is predictable, building over time and resulting in work dissatisfaction, compassion fatigue has a narrower focus.

In addition to the toll taken by the emotional and physical exhaustion, research has shown that job performance greatly suffers.  Morale becomes low or nonexistent.  The compassion that leads one to provide their form of service is no longer there or can no longer be accessed.  This loss of empathy also affects personal relationships, leading to anxiety, depression, isolation, and increased illness, stress leave and divorce rates.

Compassion Fatigue Symptoms

Symptoms can develop on the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels affecting behavior, interpersonal relationships, and job performance.  Recognizing these symptoms as warning flags can enable you to take positive action to seek help and address the underlying cause of the symptoms.  Developing a plan of action based on self-care is critical for you recovery.

PHYSICAL Aches, Pains Shock, Sweating Tachycardia Breathing Difficulties	MENTAL Loss of Confidence Poor Concentration Rigidity Apathy	EMOTIONAL Guilt Anxiety Rage Depression	SPIRITUAL Loss of Meaning Hopelessness Anger at God Loss of Religious Beliefs
Self Help for Compassion Fatigue Symptoms
Exercise Proper Rest & Diet Drink Water Acupuncture, Bodywork	Meditate Write Things Down Use Goal Setting Anticipate needs	Feel What You Feel Laugh Ask for Help Get a Venting Buddy	Prayer Spiritual Retreats Rituals of Faith Mindfulness

If you are involved in a helping profession or caregiving and are experiencing any of the symptoms above, you may be suffering from Compassion Fatigue.  As a Compassion Fatigue Educator, Lorie can help you develop a self-care plan of action based on your needs and help you get the care you need.