We're all tired and could do with a four-day working week... and have a lot going on in our personal lives. But, while you may have heard of burnout (where prolonged stress affects our wellbeing), have you heard of compassion fatigue? Turns out, whilst there are overlapping traits, it's not quite the same – and its meaning is often a little misunderstood.
So, here we look at exactly what the term 'compassion fatigue' refers to, and what differentiates it from everything else making us feel downright exhausted (but don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom).
What is compassion fatigue?
"Compassion fatigue refers to the emotional, physical and psychological impact of helping others who have typically experienced extreme stress or trauma," explains registered member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), counsellor Lisa Spitz. She adds that compassion fatigue a clinical term.
It also sometimes dubbed "the cost of caring", and is something that those who work in the medical, mental health or care spheres may experience.
Compassion fatigue vs burnout
"Compassion fatigue is often mistaken for burnout," Spitz points out, explaining that the two terms can both involve mental, physical and emotional exhaustion. "The difference is purely found in the origin – compassion fatigue tends to arise from dealing with victims of trauma, whilst burnout comes via occupational stress and being generally overworked."
Who does compassion fatigue affect?
So, bearing in mind it impacts those who help others through things like trauma, it makes sense that some professions are more vulnerable to compassion fatigue than others. "It occurs with lawyers, medical staff, psychological professionals and caregivers who are regularly placed in highly stressful situations," says Spitz.
"Counsellors and psychotherapists, for example, are at risk because we are listening to people that are suicidal, depressed, have traumas of various kinds, or are struggling with grief and bereavement. Our caseloads can be heavy and, in an NHS or low-cost scenario, there may be a distinct lack of funding and available care."
But what about for the rest of us, exposed to everyday challenges that come with living in a post-pandemic society, while struggling with a cost of living crisis – can we also suffer from compassion fatigue? As, surely, we all have less capacity to cope with other people's problems, when we have enough of our own?
"Personally, whilst we might have less empathy to go around and we can acknowledge that we're worried about ourselves and be less tolerant, this is not the same [as having compassion fatigue] and we should be wary of adopting terms that are clinical in nature, whilst not understanding what they truly mean," notes Spitz.
And what about if we're the person someone is always turning to? "I do see people experiencing highly stressful situations and having no time or sympathy for a friend who moaning about something that in comparison feels trivial (not that is necessarily is)."
But she adds, "Given that compassion fatigue is down to stressful work and personal situations, it’s not the same as a friend that constantly wants to offload on you."
Compassion fatigue symptoms
So, what are the signs to look out for?
"Compassion fatigue is when the triggers and stresses of your job affects your everyday thoughts, mood and wellbeing. It is normal to be affected by work as a caregiver, but compassion fatigue is when the feeling is overwhelming and your ability to do your work or daily activities are impeded," explains Spitz.
According to her expertise, signs can include:
- Mood swings from moderate to severe – feeling pessimistic and cynical, becoming angry very quickly, overly irritable and moods shifting erratically
- Detachment – withdrawing from social connections resulting in neglected friendships/relationships. An emotional disconnect from others and a sense of numbness in your personal/professional life
- Addiction – using alcohol, gambling, drugs or even work to hide behind
- Anxiety or depression in response to stressful and traumatic situations – compassion fatigue can make the world seem a more dangerous place for you and your loved ones. It can also make you question your skills as a professional and whether you can truly make a difference
- Productivity – you can have trouble concentrating, whilst long term stress can affect memory function
- Lack of sleep – images can replay in your mind or in your dreams. This may lead to insomnia and exhaustion
- Changes in appetite – digestive issues (the gut is gaining recognition as a second brain)
- Headaches, exhaustion and/or fatigue – you may experience all three of these, just one, or none
What are the stages of compassion fatigue?
While these aren't set in stone, these may include:
- Feeling helpless and hopeless in the face of a client/patient suffering
- Reduced feelings of empathy and sensitivity [across the board]
- Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by work
How to cope with compassion fatigue
"True self care is vital in trying to cope with compassion fatigue, or preventing it," Spitz emphasises. "This includes exercise, limiting alcohol and other stimulants, healthy eating and talking to a health care professional who understands, plus lots of sleep and actively looking after yourself."
She also recommends regular breaks, grounding techniques, meditation, yoga and breathing exercises, too.
So, how can people suffering from compassion fatigue explain to those in their personal lives what they are feeling, and how this might affect them?
"I think that this is difficult because unless you work in a similarly demanding environment, it's hard to get across what you are experiencing. I think a 'support network' of peers and friends who try and understand is important," says Spitz. "Plus, an understanding that these are not 'jobs' you just leave at the door. The ongoing stress, lack of resources and frustrations are real.
"I think that your friends and family will at least try to understand if you can tell them you are struggling at the moment, even if they don’t fully get it. The important thing is to recognise that as professionals we are doing our best – and as human beings, even we need a helping hand."
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This article originally appeared on Cosmopolitan.com. Minor edits have been made by the Cosmo.ph editors.
