Compassion fatigue is the emotional exhaustion from knowing about the suffering of others. Part of the emotional exhaustion comes from a sense of helplessness. This involves feeling overwhelmed and not knowing what to do. Those whose work involves prolonged exposure to other people's trauma can be vulnerable to compassion fatigue, also known as secondary or vicarious trauma, and can experience acute symptoms that put their physical and mental health at risk and make them warier of giving of themselves.
As caregivers, we understand and express empathy is as part of the healing process. The more we open ourselves up to others' pain, the more likely we are to share their feelings of heartbreak and devastation. Compassion fatigue can affect the most dedicated caregiver.
Caregivers often begin neglecting their own self-care—and it can result from exposure to a single case of trauma, or from years of accumulated “emotional residue."
Symptoms of compassion fatigue can include exhaustion, disrupted sleep, anxiety, headaches, and stomach upset, as well as irritability, numbness, a decreased sense of purpose, emotional disconnection, and problems with personal relationships. People experiencing compassion fatigue may secretly self-medicate with alcohol, drugs, gambling, or food. Left unaddressed, compassion fatigue can develop into clinical depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.