Ever feel like you are tired of caring?
You spent so much time providing time, effort, kindness and support to others that you feel like it’s never enough.
Well, you are probably wondering what compassion fatigue is?
Compassion fatigue is characterized by physical and emotional exhaustion and a profound decrease in the ability to empathize (GoodTherapy, 2020).
So basically we provide so much empathy and compassion that we start to feel exhausted. We start to lose track of our own personal health.
You may even experience a series of mood changes.
For example you may feel anger, sadness, and even stress.
Just to be clear, compassion fatigue is not the same as burnout. Burnout occurs overtime, while compassion fatigue is immediate.
So how do you know if you are experiencing compassion fatigue?
The Mental Health of America (2023) organization notes the following as symptoms of compassion fatigue:
- Excessive blaming
- Bottled up emotions
- Isolation from others
- Receives unusual amount of complaints from others
- Substance abuse used to mask feelings
- Compulsive behaviors (i.e. such as overspending, overeating)
- Poor self-care
- Nightmares and flashbacks
- Chronic physical ailments
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mentally and physically tired
Compassion fatigue is not a mental illness but, if left untreated it can turn into a disorder
In some cases, it can coincide with a mental health diagnosis.
For example, you can have compassion fatigue while being diagnosed with Major depression disorder.
Compassion fatigue can represent a momentary “funk” in which you feel overwhelmed.
It does not make you a horrible person, but rather someone who is overworked.
Who is at risk?
Unfortunately, almost all helping professions are susceptible to compassion fatigue.
Why?
Well, it starts with us providing empathy for those who are in need of support.
We start to internalize problems that do not belong to us. We become focused on our caseload that we stop taking care of ourselves.
It is important to note that anyone is susceptible to compassion fatigue.
How do we stop feeling compassion fatigue?
Here are some helpful tips to reduce compassion fatigue (Cherry, 2023);
- Reduce your exposure to stress – meaning that you take a break from your trigger.
- Create emotional boundaries – separate yourself from others and maintain space.
- Practice self care – creating a balance between work and life balance.
So what do you mean by a break?
Well, look over your accumulated hours and see if you qualify for paid time off.
Try modifying your work schedule or reduce your caseload.
If it’s extremely overwhelming, try moving to another sector or department.
As a caregiver, remember to set boundaries.
It is ok to show and feel empathy towards others. However, you need to maintain professional boundaries.
Taking someone else’s problem in addition to yours can be extremely unhealthy.
You can get consumed with issues that do not pertain to you.
Empathy can turn into a double edge sword, if you aren’t careful. Meaning that you may have the best intentions but it can backfire.
As for self care, try to focus on what you enjoy doing.
For example, you could try arts and crafts or maybe even a nature walk.
You could also try exercising from time to time.
When you experience compassion fatigue, research new hobbies that you would like to explore.
Don’t be afraid to seek guidance from your primary care provider.
The important thing is to seek help when you need it.
Compassion fatigue is a normal symptom, we just have to be mindful of the longer term effects.
No one knows you more than you. Pay attention to your sudden changes in mood and/or behaviors.
This post was written by Jasmine P., and published by Convenient Counseling Services.
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References:
Cherry, K. (2023, April 17). Compassion fatigue: The toll of Caring Too Much. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/compassion-fatigue-the-toll-of-caring-too-much-7377301#toc-overcoming-compassion-fatigue
Mental Health America. (2023a). Compassion Fatigue, empathy burnout for Health Care Workers: Which is it?. Mental Health America. https://mhanational.org/compassion-fatigue-empathy-burnout-health-care-workers-which-it
GoodTherapy. (2020, February 10). Signs of compassion fatigue. GoodTherapy. https://www.goodtherapy.org/for-professionals/business-management/human-resources/article/cost-of-caring-10-ways-to-prevent-compassion-fatigue
