A Look at Compassion Fatigue
As our world grows more and more stressful, there are a number of people
who need our help. The elderly, the less-fortunate and the terminally ill
all need care today more than ever. But what about the selfless individuals
who have devoted their lives to helping these individuals? Or those who
protect our streets from crime and chaos – putting their lives on the line
in the process? Few take the time to consider the mental health of these
individuals who are so vital to our society.
This fact is beginning to change. In fact, recent years
What is Compassion Fatigue?
Compassion fatigue is a
disorder that strikes caregivers – either professionally or within the
family. Simply put, individuals grow stressed
and exhausted as a result of
constantly caring for others (or putting others before their own needs).
The result is stress, anxiety, depression and other potentially serious
mental conditions.
Individuals with compassion fatigue do not perform their jobs at peak
proficiency. Often, they will neglect the very people they have been
trusted to serve. And those jobs which should be rich and rewarding because
of the service they provide to society, begin to feel like menial, thankless
tasks.
Why is Compassion Fatigue Dangerous?
There a number of reasons why individuals with compassion fatigue are a
danger to themselves and others.
- Police officers may develop stress and anger issues that can put
their lives – and the lives of those they are sworn to protect – in
jeopardy.
- Doctors and nurses may let their mental
state interfere with the
proficiency at which they perform their jobs.
- Family members caring for the elderly may begin to feel a deep
resentment towards them – at the exact moment they need their care and
support the most.
- The prevalence of compassion
fatigue and addiction to
drug or alcohol that can cause any number of problems.
Who is most at Risk for Developing Compassion Fatigue?
Although compassion fatigue can strike individuals of any age, gender or
socio-economic group, there are certain individuals who are more at risk
than others for developing the condition.
This includes:
- Nurses and doctors working in emergency rooms, on the field of
battle, or other stressful conditions.
- Nursing home workers caring for the elderly
- Family members who caring for a terminally ill or elderly family
member
How is Compassion Fatigue Treated?
What is compassion
fatigue treatment? The process involves a unique blend of cognitive
therapy and career counseling – all with the same goal of personal
wellness. During sessions with a compassion fatigue counselor, the
individual will be given a chance to delve into the past and uncover the
possible root causes of the disorder. The counselor will also work closely
with the patient to rekindle their love for their chosen careers – employing
strategies that will make their work more fulfilling and spiritually
healthier.
- Remind individuals of why they chose their career in the first place
- Identify the roots causes of the compassion fatigue
- Replace negative habits and behaviors with more positive ones.
Compassion fatigue treatment seeks
to uplift the spirit of the individual – putting them in a better mental
state so that they can return to what they do best: protecting and caring
for others.
