Compassion fatigue is what happens when self-care fails. It’s a term that was introduced by psychologist Charles Figley in the 1990s to describe the emotional toll on professionals in trauma-related fields. Since the term was introduced, it has been naturally expanded to include anyone in a caregiving position such as social workers, teachers, pet shelter employees, and family caregivers to name a few. It starts with repeated exposure to others’ suffering and escalates when combined with a lack of self-care, as I wrote about last week.
Symptoms of compassion fatigue can get serious. They can include (and this is not an exhaustive list):
– Physical issues such as headaches, digestive problems, fatigue, and disrupted sleep.
– Emotional issues can include irritability, mood swings, emotional numbness, and decreased empathy.
– Cognitive issues can include difficulty concentrating, feelings of hopelessness, and a decreased sense of purpose.
– Behavioral issues can include withdrawal from work or social interactions, dreading certain tasks or clients, and neglect of self-care.
If you find yourself experiencing symptoms of compassion fatigue, it’s important to start working on some of the self-care options I listed last week. It doesn’t have to be anything dramatic, just a few minutes each day to refocus on yourself. Setting boundaries is another critical part of preventing or recovering from compassion fatigue. We often find it hard to say “no” but sometimes that is absolutely critical in preventing compassion fatigue. Saying “no” helps in limiting overexposure to trauma and making sure to balance work-life demands. If you have taken self-care steps and set boundaries but still experience fatigue, seek out help. There are numerous peer support groups available that could be enough to get you back on track. When all else fails, seek out professional counseling services because we all need outside help from time to time.
Recognizing compassion fatigue early allows individuals to take steps to restore emotional resilience and maintain their ability to care effectively without compromising their own well-being. It is not a sign of weakness but a natural response to prolonged empathetic engagement (American Psychological Association). For additional reading, see this article: https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/compassion-fatigue
Taking care of yourself today is not only rewarding but it insures you’ll be available to take care of your loved ones tomorrow.