What are the consequences of compassion fatigue at work?
What is compassion fatigue?
Compassion is the deep awareness of and sympathy for the suffering of others, coupled with a strong desire to alleviate their pain.
Compassion fatigue, also known as the ‘cost of caring,’ is a state of emotional and physical exhaustion resulting from prolonged exposure to and care for individuals who are suffering. This can lead to a diminished capacity for empathy and is often associated with burnout and secondary traumatic stress.
Compassion fatigue can have significant personal and professional repercussions, particularly for individuals in caregiving roles such as therapists and healthcare workers.
What are the common signs of compassion fatigue?
Compassion fatigue can manifest in various ways, including physical and emotional symptoms. Physically, you may experience:
Emotionally, you might notice:
Additionally, in your work life, compassion fatigue can lead to feelings of:
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What are the consequences of compassion fatigue at work?
Compassion fatigue at work can have significant consequences on both the workplace and individual well-being. It can lead to a decrease in productivity, increased absenteeism, and a decline in the quality of care provided to consumers.
Additionally, it can result in changes in worldview, heightened conflict within relationships, and a range of physical health issues such as headaches, stomach problems, weight fluctuation, and pain.
On the mental health front, compassion fatigue can contribute to the development of conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
How do you prevent compassion fatigue?
It’s important to take steps to prevent compassion fatigue in the workplace. To do this, it’s helpful to be mindful and reflective and to learn to recognise the signs of compassion fatigue.
It’s also essential to find a balance between your personal and professional life. This may involve taking time off from work when needed, limiting the completion of professional tasks during your personal time, and monitoring and evaluating your workload in line with your personal capacity. Setting realistic expectations and goals, such as using the SMART criteria, can also help.
Additionally, open communication and consultation with colleagues, such as peer consultation, can provide support. Engaging in relevant professional development opportunities can help you stay informed and inspired in your work.
Actively practising self-care is crucial, and this can include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, eating a balanced diet, engaging with social supports, pursuing hobbies and interests, and incorporating exercise into your routine. Practising gratitude, such as using a gratitude journal, mindfulness, and meditation, can also be beneficial. If needed, seeking professional help is important and should not be overlooked.
If you are wanting to go even further, check out these helpful resources: