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Compassion Fatigue The Cost of Caring. Should we expect that we will not/should not have emotional reactions to the invaluable work we do? No – we have responses and reactions. We really do. Kym Asam, LICSW, QMHP HowardCenter. Objectives .
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Compassion FatigueThe Cost of Caring Should we expect that we will not/should not have emotional reactions to the invaluable work we do? No – we have responses and reactions. We really do. Kym Asam, LICSW, QMHP HowardCenter
Objectives • Participants will have increased understanding of how the brain functions under stress • Participants will understand difference between compassion fatigue and burn-out. • Participants will better understand their own symptoms of compassion fatigue. • Participants will increase capacity to reduce impact of compassion fatigue in their personal and professional lives.
Agenda • Story – my brain under stress • A little education • The impact of trauma on the brain • Definitions • Symptoms and Strategies • Activities • Wrap up and Questions
My brain under stress An illustration
Effects of Stress on Brain Functioning Thalamus Visual, auditory, olfactory, kinesthetic, gustatory Prefrontal Cortex (Integration and Planning) Amygdala (Intensity/significance) Hippocampus (cognitive map)
Great thanks are due Nature for putting into the life of each being so much healing power Goethe
Interchangeable terms • Vicarious Trauma • Secondary Trauma • Compassion Fatigue
Compassion fatigue – what is it? • Compassion fatigue is the natural consequence of stress resulting from caring and helping traumatized children/people. These outward signs are displays of stress resulting from giving care to others. Compassion fatigue is a secondary traumatic stress disorder. It is a set of symptoms, not a disease.
Causes • Placing the needs of others before your own • Unresolved past trauma and pain • Ambiguous loss • Lack of healthy professional and personal coping skills • Lack of self-awareness (locus of control) • Lack of personal boundaries • Inability to communicate needs (validation, support people)
Never fear the shadow – that means there is a light shining somewhere Jonathon Santos
Burn out vs. compassion fatigue • Burn out is “a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion caused by long term involvement in emotionally demanding situations.” Burnout is a condition that starts gradually and becomes progressively worse . • Compassion fatigue is the natural consequences of stress resulting from caring for and helping traumatized or suffering children/adults. It is a set of symptoms, not a disease
Good News Research shows that interacting with emotionally healthy children and adults mitigates against compassion fatigue.
Dig Where the Ground is Soft • Remember to tackle areas where you think you can be successful. • Make commitment to honestly understand what is causing you to experience compassion fatigue and what are the barriers to addressing it.
“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no (person) can sincerely try to help another without helping themself.” Ralph Waldo Emerson