Compassion Fatigue was coined by Charles Figley in the 1980s and refers to a set of negative psychological symptoms that caregivers experience in the course of their work while being exposed to direct traumatic events or through secondary trauma.
Compassion fatigue is an erosive process, not attributed to a single exposure to trauma. It is the result of ongoing, repeated exposure to traumatic situations, whether direct or indirect. Over time, the act of providing care in the context of human suffering and trauma wears down the individual's psychological resilience, leaving the care worker in a combined state of burnout that leads to more serious mental health conditions such PTSD, anxiety or depression.
Essentially, the continuous exposure to the trauma of others may lead care work professionals to manifest the same or similar symptoms as the trauma survivors they have helped.
This places many occupations such as law enforcement, first responders, healthcare professionals, teachers, and community service workers right in the crosshairs if they have the risk factors to be affected by it. Between 40% and 85% of helping professionals develop vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue and/or high rates of traumatic symptoms, according to compassion fatigue expert Francoise Mathieu.
During a TED Talk in 2017, Patricia Smith, the founder of the Compassion Fatigue Awareness project, had this to say,
“Caregivers are not good at asking for help. Asking for help is hard, no matter who you are. For nurses, doctors, teachers and more, the idea of leaving work can seem like an impossibility. You may feel guilty or that you are abandoning your patients or students. But if you are struggling with drug or alcohol use, you need help too. Your clients, patients and students will be happy for you.”
Some common signs of compassion fatigue include exhaustion, anger and irritability, negative coping behaviors such as alcohol or drug abuse, emotional detachment or numbness, burnout, and impaired decision-making abilities.
So how can you prevent compassion fatigue from taking over your life? Here are some key things to keep in mind:
1. Take care of your own well-being: As a caregiver, it's natural to put others' needs before your own. However, it's crucial to prioritize your own mental and physical health to avoid reaching a breaking point.
2. Acknowledge your limitations: You're only human, and there's only so much you can do. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it or delegate tasks if possible.
3. Practice self-care: Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you relax. Whether it's exercising, reading a book, or spending time with loved ones, self-care is essential for recharging your emotional batteries.
4. Don't ignore warning signs:
- Depression
- Frustration
- Feelings of uselessness
- Cynicism
- Feeling disconnected from others
- Worries you’re failing at your job
- Constantly feeling exhausted or tired
- Feeling the need to drink alcohol or do drugs
If you notice any of the warning signs mentioned above, don't brush them off. Address them and seek help before they escalate. Seek help from resources like supervisors, peer-support groups, or clinical practitioners before it becomes too overwhelming.
Compassion fatigue may be a common occurrence in caregiving professions, but it doesn't have to take control of your life.
*****
How do you handle compassion fatigue?
We value your feedback and ideas!
Reach out on our Community Facebook Page!
*****
“If you believe change is possible, you want to change, and you are willing to do the work, you absolutely CAN get your life back.”
Get your copy of The Soldier's Guide to PTSD, The Soldier's Workbook,
No comments:
Post a Comment