A few weeks ago, I attended a webinar held by the Association for Psychological Therapies. It was based around a topic that I hadn't previously come across: compassion fatigue. During the course, I realised that compassion fatigue is something that I have experienced in the past as a trainee performance psychologist but also as a cricket coach. I imagine that numerous professionals, such as teachers, healthcare workers or anyone who supports other individuals have probably experienced compassion fatigue before but have been completely unaware of what it actually is. So, please take your time to read this short blog and reflect on whether or not compassion fatigue has impacted you before.
Compassion fatigue is a term used in psychology to describe the emotional and physical exhaustion that can occur when individuals are exposed to high levels of stress, particularly when they are involved in caring for or helping others who are suffering or traumatized. It is often associated with professions such as nursing, social work, emergency response, counselling, and caregiving, but it can affect anyone who regularly witnesses or hears about traumatic events or experiences.
Definition
Compassion fatigue refers to the emotional and physical exhaustion that caregivers and helping professionals experience as a result of their continuous exposure to others' suffering and trauma. It is different from burnout, although they share some similarities. Burnout is generally characterised by feelings of exhaustion and detachment from work-related responsibilities, whereas compassion fatigue specifically relates to the emotional toll of witnessing and empathising with others' suffering.
Causes
Compassion fatigue can stem from various factors. They include exposure to traumatic events, constant exposure to suffering and pain, feelings of powerlessness to help or alleviate others' suffering, work overload, lack of self-care, and personal vulnerability such as past trauma or unresolved emotional issues. Caregivers and helping professionals who are highly empathetic and deeply invested in their work are particularly susceptible to compassion fatigue.
Symptoms
The symptoms of compassion fatigue can manifest on emotional, physical, cognitive, and behavioural levels. Emotional symptoms may include feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, helplessness, and emotional numbness. Physically, individuals may experience fatigue, insomnia, headaches, and other stress-related symptoms. Cognitive symptoms may involve difficulty concentrating, intrusive thoughts, and impaired decision-making. Behaviourally, individuals may withdraw from others, exhibit signs of detachment, or engage in self-destructive behaviours.
Impact
Compassion fatigue can have significant consequences for individuals' well-being and functioning. It can lead to decreased job satisfaction, reduced effectiveness in caregiving roles, strained relationships, increased absenteeism, and a higher risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Left unaddressed, compassion fatigue can impair individuals' ability to provide quality care and support to those in need and may ultimately result in burnout or career abandonment.
Prevention and Treatment
Recognising the signs of compassion fatigue and taking proactive steps to address it are essential for mitigating its impact. Prevention strategies may include self-care practices such as maintaining boundaries, seeking social support, engaging in stress-reduction activities, practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques, and pursuing activities unrelated to work. Additionally, organisations can implement supportive workplace policies, provide training on stress management and resilience-building, offer access to counselling services, and foster a culture of open communication and peer support.
In summary, compassion fatigue is a significant concern in psychology, particularly for individuals working in caregiving and helping professions. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and impact is crucial for promoting well-being and ensuring the provision of effective support and care to those in need.
Thank you to the APT for holding the webinar. You can watch the webinar for free on their website: https://www.apt.ac/webinars/free-webinars-for-mental-health-professionals.html
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