Scientists have coined the term “compassion fatigue” to describe a state of exhaustion, irritability… that occurs when someone cares too much for another person.
This phrase was first introduced in 1992 by American nurse Carla Joinson to describe the physical, emotional, and psychological experiences of healthcare workers after long periods of caring for patients.
Distinct signs of compassion fatigue include headaches, mood swings, irritability, reluctance to go to work, and a lack of joy in life.
Being overly empathetic or caring too much about others’ feelings can also lead to our own exhaustion. (Illustrative image: Yahoo Life).
In recent years, the term “compassion fatigue” has been used to describe the feeling we experience when we are overly empathetic, dedicating too much energy to the needs of others while neglecting our own self-care or emotions. Within a 24-hour period, balancing work demands and being a compassionate member of society can sometimes leave you feeling drained.
What is Compassion Fatigue?
According to therapist Natalie Jones (California, USA), when you invest too much empathy into someone or something, you try to take on their burdens and eventually become exhausted. You can easily get swept up in the pain and stress of others, making it difficult to take care of your own life. The worst part is that you may end up feeling paralyzed and giving up.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue?
The symptoms of compassion fatigue can manifest in various ways, affecting mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Dr. Jones states that basic signs include low energy, difficulty concentrating or managing your own mood, selfishness when working for yourself, irritability, a desire to disconnect from family, friends, and colleagues, trouble sleeping, and difficulty balancing work and personal life…
Compassion fatigue is a form of burnout. According to the American Institute of Stress (AIS), this state is a type of secondary trauma, defined as the residual emotional or stress responses when working with individuals who have suffered from distressing events.
How to Combat Compassion Fatigue?
Dr. Jones advises that the best way to combat compassion fatigue is to pay attention to your own energy and personal space. The key is to establish boundaries between yourself and friends, family, work, as well as social media. She recommends seeking a therapist, finding friends to share with, and overcoming the guilt of not being able to spend time with others.
Additionally, you should dedicate 15 minutes each day to journaling, reading, or engaging in activities that you find comforting instead of trying to please others.
Dr. Jones also suggests not taking on too many responsibilities. Focus on what you must do and finish it at a suitable time to allow for rest. Learn to delegate tasks to others instead of handling everything alone.
Moreover, assess your relationships with friends and family. The expert analyzes: “Consider those who drain your energy. Allow yourself to create distance from those relationships. Next time a family member or friend asks you to do something that makes you feel exhausted, say: ‘I really want to help you, but I don’t have the capacity to do that.’ You can also proactively ask them for help to see how they respond.”
Lastly, experts recommend limiting social media use. Set a limit on the time and amount of news you consume each day to just 15 minutes, rather than letting it consume you.
Compassion fatigue is something that most people will experience. However, Dr. Jones emphasizes: ‘You must remember that you cannot pour from an empty cup. You need to take care of yourself before you can treat anyone else well.’
