The Cost of Caring: 10 Ways to Prevent Compassion Fatigue

"Compassion fatigue, also known as second-hand shock and secondary stress reaction, describes a type of stress that results from helping or wanting to help those who are traumatized or under significant emotional duress.

UNDERSTANDING COMPASSION FATIGUE

Although compassion fatigue is sometimes called burnout, it is a slightly different concept. Unlike burnout, compassion fatigue is highly treatable and may be less predictable. The onset of compassion fatigue can be sudden, whereas burnout usually emerges over time. Additionally, severe cases of burnout sometimes require the person experiencing it to change jobs or occupations, but often measures can be taken to prevent or treat compassion fatigue before a change in work environment is required.

Compassion fatigue can be a precursor or a symptom of other stressors. Because therapists are trained to utilize compassion and empathy in order for therapy to be effective, they are particularly vulnerable to emotional stress and compassion fatigue. For therapists, compassion fatigue can have ethical and legal implications if left untreated, especially if they are providing therapeutic services that are not benefiting those under their care in therapy.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS OF COMPASSION FATIGUE?

Compassion fatigue can take a physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional toll on people who experience it. Common symptoms of compassion fatigue include:

Chronic physical and emotional exhaustion
Depersonalization
Feelings of inequity toward the therapeutic or caregiver relationship
Irritability
Feelings of self-contempt
Difficulty sleeping
Weight loss
Headaches
Poor job satisfaction"

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