Compassion Fatigue
What is a Burnout
A state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by long-term involvement in emotionally demanding circumstances
Emotional Indicators
-Anxiety / Increased negative arousal
-Numbness / Flooding
-Lowered frustration tolerance/irritability
-Grief Symptoms
-Anger
-Sadness
-Depression
Define Compassion Fatigue
Indifference to charitable appeals on behalf of those who are suffering, experienced as a result of the frequency or number of such appeals.
Compassion Fatigue
A cumulative process that is felt beyond any particular relationship
Physical Indicators
-Intrusive thoughts/images
-Headaches
-GI symptoms
-Insomnia / nightmares / sleep disruptions
-Decreased immune response
-Lethargy
-Becoming more accident-prone
What are the causes of compassion fatigue?
Compassion fatigue is a condition where an individual gradually becomes less compassionate towards a certain medical or social circumstance. This is usually caused by repeated exposure to suffering or pain over a period of time, which is common amongst care workers and other health professionals.
Job Stress
When the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the employee.
Personal Indicators
-Self-perception/Self Talk
-Decrease in the subjective sense of safety
-Self Isolation
-Difficulty separating work life from personal life
-Diminished functioning in non-professional circumstances
-Increases in in-effective or self-destructive, self-soothing behaviors
What causes my compassion fatigue?
Critical care work.
High mortality rates.
Lack of support.
Unstable management.
Stress at home.
Counter-transference
Temporary; the process of seeing oneself or a loved one in the patient
Spiritual Indicators
-Questioning the meaning of life
-Questioning prior religious beliefs
-Increased skepticism
-Loss of hope
What is an example of compassion fatigue?
Some examples might include irritability, being withdrawn from family, friends and co-workers, moody, appetite changes, unable to get adequate sleep, and isolating one’s self
Compassion Fatigue Vulnerability
Exposure - daily barrage of traumatic material
Empathy - the greater the empathy the more effective the relationship and the greater the risk for Compassion Fatigue
Other factors include: emotional state, limited stress management, poor self care, poor support and disconnection with spirituality
Work Indicators
-Avoidance of certain patients / clients
-Hyper vigilant response to certain cases
-Diminished sense of purpose / enjoyment
-Feelings of therapeutic impotence
What does empathy fatigue mean?
Compassion and empathy fatigue are often described as the emotional strain that an individual experiences who has been exposed to working with others who have suffered severe trauma. Empathy and compassion fatigue don’t just affect people working in the helping profession.