Compassion fatigue is a type of stress resulting from helping or wanting to help those traumatized or under significant emotional duress. Anyone can suffer from compassion fatigue. It is a normal human response commonly seen in highly empathetic individuals. 

When we extend ourselves in a caregiver role for anyone (client, family member, or friend), our stores of compassion and empathy can be depleted over time. Compassion fatigue can harshly affect the caregiver and the care recipient if left unchecked.

The first step in addressing any difficulty is to acknowledge that there is a challenging situation. As time passes and emotional resources deplete, it can be highly beneficial to recognize the big emotions resulting from the challenging situation. 

Many of us do not like the idea of emotions, taking the time to name or deal with them. We fear emotions will overtake us if we open the door to acknowledge them, and we may never recover. While I understand that sentiment, it is often the opposite.

Emotions are like waves. They often dissipate if you allow them to come and wash over you. While attempts to bottle them up or push them back last for only so long and, in time, can cause a tidal wave of emotions. Listed below are a few examples of familiar feelings. 

• Sadness – Life shouldn’t be this way
• Fear – What if things never get any better
• Anger – Seeing and feeling all the injustices surrounding the situation
• Helplessness – Being at a loss for what to do
• Frustration – Hitting significant barriers in advocating for others

Challenge

Be kind to yourself and begin to name the emotion you are feeling at the moment. By pinpointing the emotion – you have already fought half the battle!  

Try it yourself and feel the benefits of refueling your compassion tank! 

After naming a few emotions, comment below:

• How did it impact your ability to handle the emotion?
• What difference(s) did you experience?