Are you suffering from compassion fatigue?

If you are a professional caregiver you may be at risk for compassion fatigue: the emotional, physical, social and spiritual exhaustion that overtakes your professional practice and undermines your ability to help and heal. Your gift of empathy makes you vulnerable to this occupational hazard. Ongoing workplace pressures and exposure to suffering or traumatic events eventually can take their toll.

Are you suffering from compassion fatigue?

To find out, read through some common signs of compassion fatigue listed below:

  • 1. Emotional signs
    • Bottled-up emotions that swing from suppressed feelings to unprovoked outbursts
    • Decreased empathy for others
    • Pervasive sad or depressed feelings that are not relieved
  • 2. Mental signs
    • Cynical, apathetic or hopeless outlook
    • Overwhelming mental fatigue that leads to difficulty concentrating or accident proneness
    • Flashbacks or dreams of traumatic events
  • 3. Physical signs
    • Changes in appetite
    • Persistent ailments such as headaches, gastrointestinal upset, colds, allergies or generalized aches and pains
    • Sleep disturbances that deplete energy
  • 4. Behavioral signs
    • Inattention to personal hygiene, grooming, or healthy self-care habits
    • Self-medicating with substances like drugs, alcohol, food or tobacco
    • Chronic complaints, accompanied by feeling powerless to do anything
    • Withdrawal or avoidance of closeness in relationships
    • Work performance that is less productive, creative, or satisfying
    • Co-worker relationships that are less trusting, respectful or cooperative

    These fifteen items provide a snapshot of the consequences of professional caregiving.

    If a few of these signs are present in your life, you may be experiencing some compassion fatigue. Nurture yourself and sustain your professional practice by regularly practicing self-care.

    If many of these signs have become strong, defining characteristics of your life, take care of yourself. Look within for answers. Seek support and get help for your own health and healing.

    Want more?

    For a more complete self-assessment and further information about compassion fatigue…join us today! Join us in one of two ways: by individual or organization-sponsored registration. It’s easy, economical and for affiliates of Caring Partners™ organizations…it’s free!

Endnotes

Nancy Jo Bush. “Compassion Fatigue: Are You at Risk?” Oncology Nursing Forum. January 2009.

Patricia Smith. Healthy Caregiving: A Guide to Recognizing & Managing Compassion Fatigue. Presenter’s Guide: Level 1. Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project. 2008.

Della Stewart. “Casualties of War: Compassion Fatigue and Health Care Providers.” MEDSURG Nursing. March/April 2009.