Caring too much can hurt. When caregivers focus too much on giving to others without practicing authentic, ongoing self-care, destructive behaviors can occur. Apathy, isolation bottled up emotions, substance abuse, poor hygiene and emotional outbursts head a long list of symptoms associated with the secondary traumatic stress disorder now labeled: Compassion Fatigue (Figley, CR, 1995).

Studies confirm that many caregivers suffer from compassion fatigue. On a daily basis many nurses are constantly presented with heart-wrenching situations, emotional challenges and ethical dilemmas.  This painful daily struggle, eventually takes its toll and negative attitudes and behaviors prevail.

I suffered from compassion fatigue several years ago. At the time I wasn’t familiar with the term, but looking back on the situation now, I’m sure this is what I was experiencing. I was assigned the care of a physician, who after experiencing a very difficult situation in our hospital, committed a horrific crime, and then tried to commit suicide.  It was a very emotional experience for everyone involved. As his primary nurse for twelve hours a day in the ICU, I became too close to the situation; I suffered such emotional stress I isolated myself, and became quite depressed. But with the support of my husband and a few dear friends, I managed to get through it.  

While the effects of compassion fatigue are disturbing; the chances of overcoming this challenge is very good; remember compassion fatigue is a symptom –not a disease. If you sense you are suffering from compassion fatigue-you probably are. Awareness is the first step to recovery; and exploring this new awareness can lead to insights. A common and understandable coping mechanism in care giving is to simply bury the overwhelming emotions that surface repeatedly in your work. How else can you keep going? Eventually, those emotions refuse to be ignored. All too often, psychological and physical crisis occurs.

With support, insightful information, and authentic self-care, you can begin to understand the complexity of the emotions you've been juggling and, most likely, suppressing. Most people never take the time to understand how their jobs affect them emotionally. Give yourself credit for moving forward and affecting change.

Authentic Self Care Begins With the Following:

• Be kind to yourself.

• Enhance your awareness with education.

• Accept where you are on your path at all times.

• Understand that those close to you may not be there when you need them most.

• Exchange information and feelings with people who can validate you.

• Listen to others who are suffering.

• Clarify your personal boundaries. What works for you; what doesn’t?

• Express your needs verbally.

• Take positive action to change your environment.

Healing the symptoms of compassion fatigue is an inside job.  As you continue to do the necessary internal work, you will reap the benefits. Your life will begin to change for the better. In order to move forward on your path to wellness, you must continually commit to authentic self-care that includes:

• Health-building activities such as exercise, massage, yoga, meditation.

• Eating healthy foods

• Drinking plenty of water

• Use natural healing products to care for and heal your body

• Practicing the art of self-management. Just say no

• Developing a healthy support system: people who contribute to your self esteem, people who listen well, people who care

• Organizing your life so you become proactive as opposed to reactive

• Reserving your life energy for worthy causes. Choose your battles.

• Living a balanced life: Sing, dance, sit with silence

For more information on the Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project®, check out www.compassionfatigue.org