We are celebrating Caregivers the whole month of November! This week we are talking about compassion fatigue. Let’s dive right in.
DIVING IN: What is compassion fatigue? You are a caregiver, and the work you do is very important and very rewarding – but it can also take a toll on you when you are supporting someone who is suffering. The big picture? Compassion fatigue is a set of symptoms and not just one thing that caregivers experience when they provide care to people who are experiencing significant emotional or physical pain and suffering.
DRILLING DOWN: How does compassion fatigue affect caregivers? Sometimes compassion fatigue gets talked about like burnout – but, these are two different things. Last week, we talked about stress and burnout. Check out this video that helps explain the difference between compassion fatigue and burnout:
Compassion fatigue can affect each person differently. You can find more resources adapted from “The Compassion Fatigue Workbook” and a compassion fatigue self-assessment on this website recommended by posAbilities.
DIGGING DEEP: What to do about it! Managing symptoms of compassion fatigue includes seeking support and engaging in authentic, sustainable self-care. This website is dedicated to “self-compassion,” and this website has a list of 9 principles and a page of 9 ideas that can help. Share which ones you think are best in the comments!
