COMPASSION FATIGUE:MANAGINGDURINGTROUBLING TIMES

Emotional and physical exhaustion resulting from caring for andhelping others in distress. Overtime, this leads to a reduced abilityto empathize or feel compassion forothers.

It can imitate Posttraumatic StressDisorder (PTSD).

Burnout and compassion fatigueare different.

Burnout results from thestresses in the workplace.Compassion fatigue results fromthe work you do.

WHAT IS COMPASSION FATIGUE?

Mental health professionals have both rewarding yet demanding jobsproviding support for others. The cost of caring, or compassion fatigue,refers to the natural response of stress from caring for others in crisis. Thisinfographic defines compassion fatigue, identifies common symptoms, andoffers prevention strategies; the information from this infographic wasgathered from the accompanying webinar, which can be accessed here.

COGNITIVE  SYMPTOMS EMOTIONAL  SYMPTOMS

BEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS

Lowered concentration, apathy,rigidity, disorientationMinimization, preoccupation withtraumaInability to complete tasks orassignments

Powerlessness, anxiety, guilt, anger,numbness, fear, helplessnessSadness, depression, depleted,shocked, blunted, or enhancedaffectSudden and involuntary recall ofa frightening experience whileworkingExcessive blaming or bottled upemotions

Irritable, withdrawn/isolating,moody, hyper-vigilancePoor sleep, nightmares, appetitechangePoor self-care (hygiene,appearance) High absenteeismOutbreaks of aggressive behavior

SPIRITUAL SYMPTOMS

No longer attending spiritual supportgroups or meetingsChange in spiritual values or beliefs/skepticismExcessive complaints about what usedto be spiritual strengthsQuestioning life’s meaning, pervasivehopelessness, loss of purpose

Chronic physical ailments such asgastrointestinal ailments, aches andpains, impaired immunesystem, headachesRapid heartbeat, sweating, breathingdifficulty, dizzinessDifficulty falling or staying asleep

SOMATIC SYMPTOMS

COMPASSION FATIGUESYMPTOMS

Learn to recognize the signs andsymptoms of compassion fatigue.Check in with yourself to helpprevent and manage compassionfatigue when it arises.

As mental healthcare providers, it can be easy to overlook your own needswhile caring for others. It is important to find a balance between taking careof others and yourself. One way to protect yourself from or to managecompassion fatigue is to practice self-care. Although self-care may vary fromperson to person, there are a variety of ways to engage in the practice.Below are a few examples of self-care activities.

Emotional RelationshipsSpiritual

Activities that help youwork consistently:

Supervision orconsulting withcolleaguesAttending a supportgroupArriving and leavingwork on timeconsistentlyReading journalsContinuing Education– workshops,seminars, trainings

Activities that help youstay healthy:

Getting enough sleepEating a healthy andnutritious dietTaking breaks fromwork – daily, weekly,vacationsEngaging in physicalactivities you enjoy

Activities that help youstay focused:

Journaling Finding orparticipating in ahobby or non-workactivityLeaving work at work– turning email andwork phone offEngaging with familyand friends

Activities that allow youto safely express youremotions:

Talking to friends orfamily about work andlife demandsParticipating inenjoyable activities -movies, music, hobbiesReflecting on thepositives

Activities that allow youto connect spiritually:

YogaCommunity - Church,Temple, SynagogueNatureMeditation

Activities that allow youto maintain supportiverelationships:

Prioritizing family andfriendshipsAttending specialevents for loved onesSetting & maintainingappropriateboundaries withfamily, friends,colleagues, and clients

Physical PsychologicalWorkplace/professional

SELF CARE