Compassion Fatigue: The Cost of Caring
Sandy Bruno, youth and family coordinator at Comfort Zone Camp, a national nonprofit bereavement camp for grieving families, experienced compassion fatigue in the aftermath of her husband’s death. She had devoted her full emotional capacity to her children, while simultaneously trying to control whatever she could in her life.
What is Compassion Fatigue?
Compassion fatigue is an occurrence that gained exposure during the pandemic, a time when all sorts of caregivers — from nurses and healthcare workers to parents — faced heightened responsibility, reduced boundaries, exhaustion, and recurring trauma. Renowned trauma expert Charles Figley described compassion fatigue as “the deep physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion that can result from working day to day in an intense caregiving environment” — or more simply, “the cost of caring.”
What’s the Difference between Compassion Fatigue and Burnout?
These symptoms notably mirror those associated with burnout, an “occupational phenomenon” which is often closely linked to compassion fatigue. Burnout, another commonplace term in the larger conversation about mental health, refers to the intense emotional turmoil associated with one’s occupation, leading to chronic stress and dissatisfaction in the workplace. According to the World Health Organization, burnout’s three key symptoms are “feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and reduced professional efficacy.”
How Does Compassion Fatigue Affect People in Their Work?
The nature of compassion fatigue means that many working in traditional caregiving roles are likely to experience its symptoms. This includes first responders, medical professionals, social workers, journalists, and lawyers specializing in family law or criminal law.
What Kind of Support is There for People with Compassion Fatigue?
The commonality of potentially developing compassion fatigue means many people, from all walks of life, require foundational tools and support to manage it. Resources like Figley’s study on compassion fatigue may provide necessary insight, while organizations like the Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project, Caregiver Action Network, and The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers host information, firsthand accounts, and programs for individuals in specific roles. There also are online support groups and forums, like The Caregiver Space and The Psychological PPE Community on Facebook, which facilitates open conversations on “the impact of empathic strain, burnout, and secondary trauma.”
Conclusion
Compassion fatigue is a real and persisting possibility for those whose roles, whether professional or personal, are inextricably linked with empathy. It is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue and take proactive steps to prevent or recover from it. By acknowledging the importance of self-care, setting personal and professional boundaries, and seeking support, individuals can replenish their own supply of compassion and continue to care for others without compromising their own well-being.
FAQs
Q: What is compassion fatigue?
A: Compassion fatigue is the deep physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion that can result from working day to day in an intense caregiving environment.
Q: Is compassion fatigue the same as burnout?
A: No, while both share similar symptoms, compassion fatigue is a more specific experience, often linked to secondary traumatic stress or vicarious trauma, which result from empathetic engagement with the circumstances of others.
Q: Who is at risk of developing compassion fatigue?
A: Anyone in a caring role, including traditional caregivers such as nurses, healthcare workers, social workers, journalists, and lawyers specializing in family law or criminal law, as well as parents and others who experience empathetic strain.
Q: How can I prevent or recover from compassion fatigue?
A: By acknowledging the importance of self-care, setting personal and professional boundaries, and seeking support from resources like online support groups, mental health professionals, and organizations dedicated to caregiver support.
