Definition of compassion fatigue

Empathy Fatigue or Compassion fatigue is physical, mental and emotional exhaustion that can arise from prolonged exposure to the trauma and suffering of another person or group of people caring for others. It is a type of passive secondary traumatic stress that can affect majorly healthcare workers, caregivers, first responders, and other professionals or workers who work closely with people who are suffering from trauma or ailment.

Compassion fatigue can be assessed by a combination of symptoms including emotional numbness, indifference, irritability, physical tiredness, emotional exhaustion, sadness, difficulty in concentration, anxiety and occupational stress. In extreme cases, one might feel cynicism or pessimism, and less job satisfaction.

Who is at risk for compassion fatigue?

For anyone who is regularly exposed to the trauma or suffering of others, it is particularly common among caregivers, healthcare workers, nurses, NGO workers and first responders. These professionals are often working in environments of high levels of stress, trauma, and distress which if prolonged can take a toll on their mental and physical health over time.

Apart from the nature of the work, several other factors can increase the risk of Empathy fatigue or compassion fatigue, including lack of support, high workload, work pressure, stressful work conditions, lack of Compassion satisfaction/compassion reward and personal history of trauma. Women and those with a history of mental health conditions may also be at higher risk for compassion fatigue.

Signs and Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue

• A person suffering from Compassion Fatigue feels disconnected from one’s emotions or feels emotionally numb. This can make it difficult to feel empathy or compassion for others.
• Feeling easily annoyed or frustrated, even with small things that would not generally bother someone. This can make it difficult for professionals to interact with others positively or productively.
• Feeling physically exhausted despite getting enough rest and nutrition. This can also cause physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, or gastrointestinal problems.
• Losing interest in activities or hobbies that one used to enjoy earlier. One might feel a sense of apathy or boredom, or find it difficult to experience pleasure or joy.
• Finding it difficult to focus or concentrate on tasks or stay engaged in work, which is important. This can make it difficult to be productive or efficient in the workplace and can lead to low self-esteem or self-doubt.
• Feeling anxious or stressed more than usual, especially about work-related tasks or situations. Physical symptoms of such stress could be a rapid heartbeat, sweating, or shallow breathing, as well as emotional symptoms such as panic or fear, which are common.
• Being pessimistic or sceptical about one’s work culture, colleagues, or the organization as a whole. Individuals will feel demotivated which can further exacerbate feelings of burnout.
• Not feeling fulfilled in one’s job in comparison to that in the past. One might feel unappreciated or undervalued. This can lead to decreased motivation and productivity over time.

  

Causes of Compassion Fatigue

• Exposure to trauma and suffering: Professionals or workers who work closely with people suffering from an ailment, or prolonged sickness, or who have experienced trauma, such as healthcare workers, caregivers or first responders, are particularly at high risk of compassion fatigue due to their frequent exposure to the emotional and physical pain of others. This includes not only caring for patients with chronic or life-threatening illnesses but also witnessing accidents, injuries, or violence.
• Long working hours: Long working shifts or heavy workloads can increase the risk of compassion fatigue. When individuals feel overwhelmed or burnout, it becomes difficult to maintain the vicarious resilience and empathy needed to provide effective care to others.
• Organizational factors: Organizational factors, such as lack of support from management, inadequate resources, or a lack of authority over work conditions, can also contribute to compassion fatigue. If a caregiver is unappreciated or undervalued by their organization, they are more likely to experience empathy fatigue.
• Personal factors: Personal factors, such as a history of trauma, mental health, or a lack of self-care, are also important factors. If individuals have faced primary trauma in their personal lives, they may be more susceptible to secondary trauma. Additionally, individuals who struggle with mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety are more likely to experience compassion fatigue.

Impact of Compassion Fatigue

• Effects on individuals: Compassion fatigue can have a significant harmful impact on an individual’s mental and physical health. Physical and mental exhaustion can lead to depression, anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. Additionally, individuals with empathy fatigue may struggle to maintain healthy personal relationships or engage in social Which may result in feelings of isolation, loneliness, and disconnection.
• Effects on organizations and patients/clients: Empathy fatigue can also have negative effects on organizations as well as the patients or clients they serve. Employees suffering from compassion fatigue may be less effective at providing care and are prone to make errors or harmful mistakes. Additionally, employees suffering from compassion fatigue are more likely to call in sick or leave their jobs sooner or later, leading to staff shortages and decreased quality o service. Finally, when employees experience compassion fatigue, it can create a negative work culture that can affect the morale of the whole team.

Prevention and Treatment of Compassion Fatigue

• Self-care: Self-care plays an important role in the treatment and prevention of compassion fatigue. This can include practices such as proper sleep, regular exercise, balanced meal, self-compassion, meditation, trauma stewardship, and engaging in hobbies or group activities that bring joy and fulfilment. Additionally, individuals should support from friends and family, set healthy interpersonal boundaries at work, and seek professional counselling when needed.
• Organizational Role: Organizations should take steps to treat and prevent empathy fatigue or compassion fatigue among their employees. This can include providing regular training sessions on self-care, cognitive restructuring and resilience, offering flexible work shifts or paid time off. Counselling and therapy should be provided to employees who are suffering from it.
• Professional Therapy: Individuals experiencing significant symptoms of compassion fatigue should seek professional support and therapy. This can include individual or group therapy, support groups, mind-body practices, narrative therapy, and cognitive-behavioural therapy.

In conclusion, both individuals and organizations need to give importance to compassion fatigue prevention and treatments so that they can work together to promote a healthier, more compassionate workplace culture and service to patients and clients.