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Understanding Compassion Fatigue: Signs, Symptoms, and Prevention

Explore the concepts of compassion fatigue, recognize its signs and symptoms, and learn the importance of self-assessment and support for oneself and colleagues. Understand the biological, psychological, and social indicators of compassion fatigue, prevention strategies, and available treatment options. References and resources provided for further learning.

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Understanding Compassion Fatigue: Signs, Symptoms, and Prevention

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  1. Compassion Fatigue

  2. How do you do this work?

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Compassion Fatigue: Signs & Symptoms • Biological • Psychological • Social

  7. Compassion Fatigue: Biological Signs & Symptoms • 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

  8. Compassion Fatigue: Biological Signs & Symptoms • Weight changes: over- or under-eating • Migraine headaches • Fatigue/chronically tired • Cracked teeth/grinding teeth • Panic attacks • Physical appearance change • Sleep Disturbances

  9. Compassion Fatigue: Psychological Signs & Symptoms • 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

  10. Compassion Fatigue: Psychological Signs & Symptoms • 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

  11. Compassion Fatigue: Social Signs & Symptoms • Terrorization and elimination • Burnout, Chronic lateness • Workaholism • Inability to maintain balance and objectivity • Blaming, Cast out • Learned-helplessness

  12. Compassion Fatigue: Social Signs & Symptoms • Vulnerability • Isolation • Stuck in negativity, Cynical • Divorce/interpersonal problems • Lack of trusting people • Withdrawal from activities • Promiscuity

  13. 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

  14. 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.

  15. References • Protecting Children and Young People: The Responsibility of All Doctors. General Medical Council, United Kingdom: 2012. available at: http://www.gmc-uk.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.

  16. 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-library-online/evid-based-prac.html

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