Compassion Fatigue

Recently, I went to a presentation about compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is known as a secondary traumatic stress disorder, and can lead to caregiver burnout. So how do you recognize if you have compassion fatigue?

Symptoms

• Excessive Blaming
• Bottled up emotions
• Isolation
• Substance Abuse
• Compulsive behaviors
• Legal problems
• Poor self-care
• Physical ailments
• Problems concentrating
• Denial
• Preoccupied

If you have experienced these symptoms since you became a caregiver, then you more than likely have compassion fatigue. Now that you have recognized it, the next step is to take action so your compassion fatigue doesn't turn into caregiver burnout, or end up making you physically sick.

Actions to take:

• Accept help from others, recognize that you can't do everything on your own
• Talk about your feelings with a support group or someone close to you
• Be kind to yourself
• Educate yourself
• Do activities to stay physically healthy, such as exercising or yoga
• Develop and maintain a support system for yourself
• Live a balanced life

To learn more go to www.compassionfatigue.org There are stress tests you can take at this website so you know what your stress level is.