Several years ago I heard of a condition called “Compassion Fatigue”. I was in a job as a Case Manager that was dealing with inmates in a prison and their family issues. A co-worker of mine passed out a handout at one of our conferences on Compassion Fatigue. I read through the warning signs and discovered at that time I did display several of the warning signs.
I continually heard stories from my clients regarding their gruesome and sick crimes. Stories of their childhood abuses they had suffered. The losses of the ones they loves and so on. As time passed on I could felt drained. I did not want to hear another sad story. It was taking its toll on my family, my career and me.
My employer did not offer me assistance with counseling or anything else. I felt alone and only wanted to get out of the job. Doctors thought I was just fine and only suffering burnout.
As time went on I felt drained, apathetic, cynical, and angry. I continued on not enjoying my career any longer. As time progressed I thought it was job burnout. However, as I learned later, it was the result of compassion fatigue.
Compassion Fatigue, what is it??
Compassion fatigue is also known as a Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder, in a term that refers to a gradual lessening of compassion over time. Compassion Fatigue can be the result seen in people that work in areas of taking care of people or animals. It is common among victims of trauma and individuals that work directly with victims of trauma. It affects journalists, healthcare workers, therapists, veterinarians, social workers, police officers, and lawyers, among others.
Compassion fatigue can affect a person deeply in a physical, emotional, and spiritually to the point of exhaustion. This will cause the caregiver’s ability to experience joy to feel or care for others. Compassion fatigue results when the interaction between the helper and the person being helped actually hurts. This results when the helper absorbs and internalizes the emotions of patients, clients, co-workers, friends, or family members. Even those who are exposed to traumatic events in the media on a repeated basis can experience compassion fatigue.
Warning signs of Compassion Fatigue:
Feeling tired, run down, or drained as a result of helping effort
Can’t separate work from personal life
Experience nightmares
Cynical
Discouraged
Feeling hopeless
Trouble sleeping
Angry outbursts
Feeling resentful
Flashbacks related to clients or families
Not enjoying work
Coping skills and help:
Take care of yourself exercise and eat rights
Set boundaries
Learn to say “No”
Learn to keep balance in your life
Have a support system of people who understand what you are going through to share with.
Get therapy
Treat yourself
Write down what you are thankful for
Meditate
Take a stress management class
In closing, remember your work and help are important. In order to continue doing a good job you must remember to take care of yourself. Compassion Fatigue is real, know that signs, and get help. It can result into leading into more serious disorders or problems if left untreated.
Resources:
www.apa.org
www.caregiverstress.com
www.maryremington.com
www.wikipedia.com
www.compassionfatigue.com
Karina Narduzzi B.A., C.A.M.F.
Positive Solutions Anger Management and Executive Coaching
For More information on Anger and Stress Management Classes check out our website:
www.positivesolutions.org
Compassion fatigue is also known as a Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder, in a term that refers to a gradual lessening of compassion over time. Compassion Fatigue can be the result seen in people that work in areas of taking care of people or animals. It is common among victims of trauma and individuals that work directly with victims of trauma. It affects journalists, healthcare workers, therapists, veterinarians, social workers, police officers, and lawyers, among others.
Compassion fatigue can affect a person deeply in a physical, emotional, and spiritually to the point of exhaustion. This will cause the caregiver’s ability to experience joy to feel or care for others. Compassion fatigue results when the interaction between the helper and the person being helped actually hurts. This results when the helper absorbs and internalizes the emotions of patients, clients, co-workers, friends, or family members. Even those who are exposed to traumatic events in the media on a repeated basis can experience compassion fatigue.
Warning signs of Compassion Fatigue:
Feeling tired, run down, or drained as a result of helping effort
Can’t separate work from personal life
Experience nightmares
Cynical
Discouraged
Feeling hopeless
Trouble sleeping
Angry outbursts
Feeling resentful
Flashbacks related to clients or families
Not enjoying work
Coping skills and help:
Take care of yourself exercise and eat rights
Set boundaries
Learn to say “No”
Learn to keep balance in your life
Have a support system of people who understand what you are going through to share with.
Get therapy
Treat yourself
Write down what you are thankful for
Meditate
Take a stress management class
In closing, remember your work and help are important. In order to continue doing a good job you must remember to take care of yourself. Compassion Fatigue is real, know that signs, and get help. It can result into leading into more serious disorders or problems if left untreated.
Resources:
www.apa.org
www.caregiverstress.com
www.maryremington.com
www.wikipedia.com
www.compassionfatigue.com
Karina Narduzzi B.A., C.A.M.F.
Positive Solutions Anger Management and Executive Coaching
For More information on Anger and Stress Management Classes check out our website:
www.positivesolutions.org
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