what is compassion fatigue? · 2018-04-14 · what is compassion fatigue? described by...

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By Jennifer A. Blough, LPC, Certified Compassion Fatigue Therapist, Certified Pet Loss Grief Specialist Author – To Save a Starfish: A Compassion Fatigue Workbook for the Animal Welfare Warrior Host – The Compassion Fatigue Podcast

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Page 1: What is compassion fatigue? · 2018-04-14 · What is compassion fatigue? Described by traumatologist Charles Figley as the “cost of caring” for people or animals that are suffering

By Jennifer A. Blough, LPC, Certified Compassion Fatigue Therapist, Certified Pet Loss Grief Specialist Author – To Save a Starfish: A Compassion Fatigue Workbook for the Animal Welfare WarriorHost – The Compassion Fatigue Podcast

Page 2: What is compassion fatigue? · 2018-04-14 · What is compassion fatigue? Described by traumatologist Charles Figley as the “cost of caring” for people or animals that are suffering

What is compassion fatigue? Described by traumatologist Charles Figley as the “cost of caring” for people or animals that are suffering or who have been traumatized.

A variety of symptoms that are normal and a natural consequence of helping others.

Affects those in various helping fields, including police officers, fire fighters, nurses, therapists, and, of course, animal welfare workers and activists. 

Long‐term exposure to abuse, neglect, euthanasia, grief, pet overpopulation, etc. can take a heavy toll. 

Page 3: What is compassion fatigue? · 2018-04-14 · What is compassion fatigue? Described by traumatologist Charles Figley as the “cost of caring” for people or animals that are suffering

Symptoms of compassion fatigue Depression/sadness Insomnia Nightmares Low energy Anger/irritability Grief Social isolation Appetite changes Loss of interest/pleasure

Page 4: What is compassion fatigue? · 2018-04-14 · What is compassion fatigue? Described by traumatologist Charles Figley as the “cost of caring” for people or animals that are suffering

Symptoms continued… Relationship conflicts Hypervigilance Feelings of guilt Numb, zombie‐like Feeling empty Work problems Anxiety Low self‐esteem Poor concentration

Page 5: What is compassion fatigue? · 2018-04-14 · What is compassion fatigue? Described by traumatologist Charles Figley as the “cost of caring” for people or animals that are suffering

Symptoms continued… Bodily complaints Intrusive thoughts Feeling hopeless Loss of sense of humor Unhealthy coping skills Suicidal thoughts

Page 6: What is compassion fatigue? · 2018-04-14 · What is compassion fatigue? Described by traumatologist Charles Figley as the “cost of caring” for people or animals that are suffering

Please remember that compassion fatigue is a set of symptoms...it is NOT a sign of weakness, a character flaw, or a mental illness. It is normal!

Page 7: What is compassion fatigue? · 2018-04-14 · What is compassion fatigue? Described by traumatologist Charles Figley as the “cost of caring” for people or animals that are suffering

What causes compassion fatigue?

Page 8: What is compassion fatigue? · 2018-04-14 · What is compassion fatigue? Described by traumatologist Charles Figley as the “cost of caring” for people or animals that are suffering

Personality and Temperament High levels of empathy and compassion

Tend to put others’ needs ahead of our own

View our work as a “calling” rather than just a career or hobby

Highly sensitive 

Page 9: What is compassion fatigue? · 2018-04-14 · What is compassion fatigue? Described by traumatologist Charles Figley as the “cost of caring” for people or animals that are suffering

Exposure to trauma

History of trauma Primary trauma Secondary trauma

Page 10: What is compassion fatigue? · 2018-04-14 · What is compassion fatigue? Described by traumatologist Charles Figley as the “cost of caring” for people or animals that are suffering

Is compassion fatigue the same as burnout?  Anyone can burn out… Toxic work environment Lack of control Poor support system Not enough balance

Page 11: What is compassion fatigue? · 2018-04-14 · What is compassion fatigue? Described by traumatologist Charles Figley as the “cost of caring” for people or animals that are suffering

How is compassion fatigue affecting you?  The Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQol) measures positive and negative effects of helping others who are suffering or who have been traumatized.

Measures compassion fatigue, burnout, and compassion satisfaction. 

Free self‐test at proqol.org. When taking the test, you may substitute “people” with “animals.” 

Page 12: What is compassion fatigue? · 2018-04-14 · What is compassion fatigue? Described by traumatologist Charles Figley as the “cost of caring” for people or animals that are suffering

Preventing and managing compassion fatigue with self‐care

Page 13: What is compassion fatigue? · 2018-04-14 · What is compassion fatigue? Described by traumatologist Charles Figley as the “cost of caring” for people or animals that are suffering

Get your ZZZs… Establish a sleep schedule Try not to nap Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine six hours before bedtime

Exercise daily Try a warm bath or shower Keep room cool, dark, and quiet

Turn off all electronics

Page 14: What is compassion fatigue? · 2018-04-14 · What is compassion fatigue? Described by traumatologist Charles Figley as the “cost of caring” for people or animals that are suffering

Fuel your body Limit alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and simple carbs

Add healthy, mood‐boosting foods including:

Leafy greens Sweet potatoes Oats Berries Walnuts Avocados Water or herbal teas Fruit/veggie smoothies 

Page 15: What is compassion fatigue? · 2018-04-14 · What is compassion fatigue? Described by traumatologist Charles Figley as the “cost of caring” for people or animals that are suffering

Beat the compassion fatigue blues with exercise Aim for 30 minutes a day Exercise releases “feel good” hormones

Physical activity helps to combat depression and anxiety

Walking for 30 minutes a day is a natural anti‐depressant! 

Page 16: What is compassion fatigue? · 2018-04-14 · What is compassion fatigue? Described by traumatologist Charles Figley as the “cost of caring” for people or animals that are suffering

Practice self‐care with relaxation techniques

Deep breathing Meditation Massage Yoga Stretching Guided imagery Progressive muscle relaxation

Page 17: What is compassion fatigue? · 2018-04-14 · What is compassion fatigue? Described by traumatologist Charles Figley as the “cost of caring” for people or animals that are suffering

Mindful deep breathing 

Page 18: What is compassion fatigue? · 2018-04-14 · What is compassion fatigue? Described by traumatologist Charles Figley as the “cost of caring” for people or animals that are suffering

Finding support Friends, family, and co‐workers

IDA helpline Professional counseling Facebook/LinkedIn groups The Compassion Fatigue Podcast

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1‐800‐273‐8255

Page 19: What is compassion fatigue? · 2018-04-14 · What is compassion fatigue? Described by traumatologist Charles Figley as the “cost of caring” for people or animals that are suffering

To Save a Starfish: A Compassion Fatigue Workbook for the Animal Welfare Warrior –now available through Amazon!

Page 20: What is compassion fatigue? · 2018-04-14 · What is compassion fatigue? Described by traumatologist Charles Figley as the “cost of caring” for people or animals that are suffering

Jennifer Blough contact info: [email protected]