1. Definitions
- Compassion fatigue is a condition characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion that results in a reduced capacity for empathy or compassion for others, often described as a negative cost of caregiving. It is sometimes called secondary traumatic stress.[1]
- Compassion fatigue is a condition that often describes the physical, emotional and psychological impact of helping people who have experienced stress or trauma.
2. Some Data
- Compassion fatigue refers to a more specific situation that can be brought on by a stressful workplace or environment, lack of resources, or excessive working hours.
- Although the term "compassion fatigue" is often confused with "burnout," there are some differences. In contrast to burnout, compassion fatigue can develop rapidly, resulting from secondary exposure to trauma or suffering and the “intensive empathic involvement with people who are in distress” (Delgadillo et al., 2018, p. 1; Negash & Sahin, 2011).
- Compassion fatigue affects a wide variety of occupations. Groups working on helping are the most common. A legal professional, medical professional, therapist, counselor, first responder, and nurses may be more at risk for compassion fatigue.
3. Available Tests And Self-Tests
- Symptoms: Chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, loss of empathy, loss of respect, feelings of inequity, irritability, headaches, weight loss (Negash & Sahin, 2011) .
- Quality of Life Test (The Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) test is the most commonly used measure of the negative and positive affects of helping others who experience suffering and trauma. It measures compassion fatigue, burnout and compassion satisfaction.)
- Life Stress Test (This Life Stress test from Dr. Tim Lowenstein identifies the types of life pressures you are currently facing day-to-day. Depending on your coping skills, or the lack thereof, this test can help predict the likelihood that you will fall victim to a stress a related illness.)
- Empath Test (If you've ever felt someone else's pain or sensed a shift in the energy in a room without knowing what caused it, you might be an Empath. If so, it is critical for you to develop the tools needed to empower you to use these gifts in a healthy and balanced way.) [2]
-Compassion fatigue assessment: Some questions to help spot the warning signs like; Do you appear competent and professional?,Do you appear warm, caring, and accepting?,Do you regularly seek case consultation with another professional while protecting confidentiality? ,Do you frequently use self-talk to put aside the client’s thoughts at the end of a stressful day? ,Do you maintain a balance between work, family, and play? ,Do you nurture a strong support network of family and friends?,Do you use healthy leisure activities as a way of helping yourself relax after work? , Do you often feel renewed and energized by working with clients? (Kramen-Kahn, 2002; Barnett, 2014)
4. Available Techniques for Overcoming
- Learning and recognizing the symptoms, taking preventive measures, and seeking support for treatment can help.
- Look for ways to cope with stress. Learn your physical/emotional triggers and find healthy habits to overcome them.
- Research has confirmed that developing a mindful outlook and performing meditation can improve self-compassion and decrease compassion fatigue (Neff & Germer, 2012).
- Look for resources for counseling and/or training. This could be going to a family doctor, trauma specialist, therapist, or psychiatrist (Brennan, 2020).
- They can also do these exercises organizationally in a group setting. This could be more valuable.
Awareness is the first step in understanding compassion fatigue. By recognizing and managing its symptoms, you can learn to heal and help others heal, too (Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project (CFAP), 2013).
References
Brennan, D. (2020). Compassion fatigue: Symptoms to look for. WebMD. here.
Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project, Retrieved from here , 2023.
Delgadillo, J., Saxon, D., & Barkham, M. (2018). Associations between therapists’ occupational burnout and their patients’ depression and anxiety treatment outcomes. Depression and Anxiety, 35(9), 844–850. Retrieved from here.
Figley, Charles, ed. (2002). Treating compassion fatigue. New York: Brunner-Routledge. Retrieved from here.
Neff, K. D., & Germer, C. K. (2012). A pilot study and randomized controlled trial of the mindful self-compassion program. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 69(1), 28–44.Retrieved from here.
Negash, S., & Sahin, S. (2011). Compassion fatigue in marriage and family therapy: Implications for therapists and clients. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 37(1), 1–13. Retrieved from here.
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