Compassion Fatigue
How do you do this work?
Learning Objectives
• The participant will be able to:
• Understand the concepts of compassion
fatigue and vicarious trauma.
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of
compassion fatigue.
• Appreciate the importance of checking in on
oneself and colleagues to assess for
compassion fatigue.
Compassion Fatigue
• Compassion Fatigue: a physical, emotional
and spiritual fatigue or exhaustion that takes
over a person and causes decline in his/her
ability to experience joy or to feel and care
for others. (Figley, 1995; Friedman, 2002)
• Also referred to as secondary trauma,
vicarious trauma and burnout.
Compassion Fatigue
• Prolonged occurrence of the natural behaviors
and emotions that arise from knowing about a
traumatizing event experienced by another.
• a one-way street in which individuals are
giving out a great deal of energy and
compassion to others over a period of time, yet
aren’t able to get enough personal support to
reassure themselves that the world is a hopeful
place.
Compassion Fatigue:
Signs & Symptoms
• Biological
• Psychological
• Social
Compassion Fatigue:
Biological Signs & Symptoms
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Increased use of drugs and alcohol
Sweating, Rapid breathing
Increased blood sugar levels
Increased illnesses
Hypertension/high blood pressure
Gastrointestinal complaints
Brittle nails, dull hair, hot flashes
Compassion Fatigue:
Biological Signs & Symptoms
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Weight changes: over- or under-eating
Migraine headaches
Fatigue/chronically tired
Cracked teeth/grinding teeth
Panic attacks
Physical appearance change
Sleep Disturbances
Compassion Fatigue:
Psychological Signs & Symptoms
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Feelings of dread
Anguished “survivor” guilt
Feelings of having given up
Feelings of evilness and impending doom
Anger, less ability to feel joy
Increased irritability
Horror, inescapable shock
Compassion Fatigue:
Psychological Signs & Symptoms
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Decreased concentration/unable to focus
Depression, sleep disturbances
Low self-esteem, exhaustion
Crying for no apparent reason
Apathy or use of dark humor
Poor impulse control
Relapse to addictions
Compassion Fatigue:
Social Signs & Symptoms
Terrorization and elimination
Burnout, Chronic lateness
Workaholism
Inability to maintain balance and
objectivity
• Blaming, Cast out
• Learned-helplessness
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Compassion Fatigue:
Social Signs & Symptoms
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Vulnerability
Isolation
Stuck in negativity, Cynical
Divorce/interpersonal problems
Lack of trusting people
Withdrawal from activities
Promiscuity
Compassion Fatigue:
Prevention
• Maintain balance between personal life and work
• Activities, ways to relax, getting enough sleep
• Strong relationships with family/friends
• Organizational culture
• Should allow us to feel comfortable to admit we need
help
• Monitor caseload
• Working on a team: having colleagues to talk with
• Education on compassion fatigue helps us
recognize the signs early in ourselves and our
colleagues
Compassion Fatigue:
Treatment
• If you are experiencing the symptoms and you
are deprived of sleep, take a day off, rest, and
make sure to eat normally.
• Consider meeting for a few sessions with a
therapist who is experienced in treating trauma.
References
• Protecting Children and Young People: The Responsibility
of All Doctors. General Medical Council, United
Kingdom: 2012. available at: http://www.gmcuk.org/static/documents/content/Child_protection
_-_English_0712.pdf
• Osofsky, J.D., Putnam, F.W., Lederman, C.S. (2008).
How to maintain emotional health when working
with trauma. Juvenile and Family Court Journal. 59, 4:
91-102.
References
• A complete list studies that demonstrate the efficacy
of Children’s Advocacy Centers is available from
the National Children’s Advocacy Center:
http://www.nationalcac.org/child-abuse-libraryonline/evid-based-prac.html