Compassion Fatigue: Managing During Troubling Times

Mental health professionals have both rewarding yet demanding jobs providing support for others. The cost of caring, or compassion fatigue, refers to the natural response of stress from caring for others in crisis.

What is compassion fatigue?

Compassion fatigue is defined as the emotional and physical exhaustion resulting from caring for and helping others in distress.

Over time, this leads to a reduced ability to empathize or feel compassion for others. It can imitate Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

However, Burnout and compassion fatigue are different. Burnout results from the stresses in the workplace. Compassion fatigue results from the work you do. 

Click here to view some of the symptoms of compassion fatigue

Self care

As mental healthcare providers, it can be easy to overlook your own needs while caring for others. It is important to find a balance between taking of others and yourself. One way to protect yourself from or to manage compassion fatigue is to practice self-care. Although self-care may vary from person to person, there are a variety of ways to engage in the practice. 

Click here to view the different ways to practice self care