Introduction
Compassion fatigue is a deep physical, spiritual and emotional exhaustion that can result from working daily in a care giving environment. In such circumstances, the natural response to the downward spiral is to work more until there is nothing left. On the other hand, the adaptive response should be to take a break (Sabo, 2011). Compassion fatigue can result from a lack of daily care for self which helps reflect, rejuvenate and refuel. The only good thing about compassion fatigue is the sign that you are a very compassionate person. However, by caring for our own selves, we can serve others in a better way. This essay will discuss the warning signs of compassion fatigue, nature of the problem and the emotional, spiritual and physical needs of the caregiver.
Warning Signs
There are various signs of compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue symptoms also vary from person to person. However, the signs of compassion fatigue can be broadly categorized into five areas: cognitive, emotional, behavioral, spiritual and somatic (Portnoy, 2011). In the cognitive area, the main symptoms shown by a caregiver suffering from compassion fatigue are lowered concentration, apathy, rigidity, minimization, preoccupation with trauma and disorientation. Emotional signs are more visible in caregivers and easier to detect by oneself and others, as well. Powerlessness, guilt, anger, anxiety, numbness, helplessness, fear, sadness, depression, blunted effect and shock are some of the most commonly found signs in the caregivers suffering from compassion fatigue and burnout (Portnoy, 2011). There are certain behavioral symptoms also shown by the caregivers. Sleeplessness and nightmares are few of the predominant behavioral changes noticed in the caregivers. Caregivers also show behavioral changes like isolation, mood swing and appetite change. Caregivers often seem to ask the question of fairness and meaning of life when they are suffering from compassion fatigue. Caregivers also show other spiritual symptoms like hopelessness and loss of faith (Portnoy, 2011). Most of the symptoms, in case of compassion fatigue, are at emotional and spiritual level. However, there are certain physical symptoms as well. Many caregivers show somatic symptoms like sweating, rapid heartbeat, aches and pains, breathing difficulty and headaches.
Nature of the Problem
Caregivers are people who administer health care to patients experiencing trauma and suffering. Caregivers work in a criticism laden environment and are trained to sacrifice their own life for the needs of their patients. As part of their job, they witness suffering every day. The problem is not whether caregivers will hurt them in the process of healing patients, but how they will handle it when they feel exhausted themselves (Sabo, 2011). There are several causes of compassion fatigue. The primary reason for compassion fatigue is that the caregivers need to witness suffering each and every day in their daily work life, and they often do not get time to replenish themselves emotionally. If there remains any unresolved personal trauma in the life of the caregivers, then that also may trigger compassion fatigue in them. Witness death, pain in powerless people and the lack of social support are some of the most common causes of compassion fatigue and burnout. A good caregiver requires compassion and sympathy for their patients. In the process of healing, the level of sympathy and compassion play a vital role in building emotional bond between the patients, their families and the caregivers. However, a high level of compassion and sympathy at work also contributes to an emotional burnout. The very forces which drive the caregivers to give better service can also cause compassion fatigue. It is, in many cases, unavoidable and hence caregivers need to handle burnout in a more categorical manner than becoming a victim of it.
Physical Health of the Caregiver
Often in the process of taking care of the health of others, caregivers forget to take care of their own health. It is of paramount importance that caregivers commit themselves to regular exercise regimen and other healthy practices. Many caregivers often think that they have no time for physical activity as they are too busy. However, they fail to understand that without proper exercise and balance in life, the productivity quotient goes down (Chapman, 2007). Busyness often poses a great threat to the caregivers. Especially, caregivers who often feel stress and burnout devote very little time to personal healthcare. They feel lazy about it. However, to avoid compassion fatigue, it is necessary for caregivers to take a proper break from all the responsibilities of their duties from time to time (Chapman, 2007). For example, taking time to walk during the lunch break, taking time to do grocery shopping and cooking at home instead of buying fast food on the way back home after duty hours may help reduce some stress. For some, it may seem that these choices are inconvenient for the daily routine of the caregivers, but in the long run it will help them get away from the daily burnout and stress.
Emotional Health of Caregiver
It is observed that the first victim of compassion fatigue is the mind of the caregivers. Emotional stress, depression and anxiety are few of the first symptoms faced by caregivers (Mathieu, 2007). It is, therefore, necessary to protect the mind just as it is important to exercise and rest the body. Mental stimulation and relaxation is necessary for caregivers to provide time for refueling. After an extended period of work, caregivers need to take time off to help themselves recover mentally and also help restore emotional health. Apart from taking time off, caregivers also need an outlet to vent out their emotions. It is important that they have someone to talk to about their emotions on a regular basis.
Spiritual Health of Caregiver
Many often forget about the spiritual health. Especially, spiritual health is very important for health care professionals. Caregivers who often see death and see people suffering lose faith in God and question the fairness of life. Taking time for meditation and even focusing on God help in the restoration of faith. Spirituality not only means a connection with the almighty, but also means connection with the community (Chapman, 2007). Caregivers also may take time out to interact with other community members and participate in various community activities to help heal their souls.
Conclusion
Compassion fatigue is common among caregivers. Caregivers need to deal with trauma every day, and this may create some emotional burnout in their own life. The very job of caregivers requires compassion and sympathy for the patients and their families. The daily activity of showering patients with compassion and sympathy may engender compassion fatigue and burnout in the caregivers themselves. It is essential to know how to manage compassion fatigue. Keeping a healthy routine to include mental, spiritual and physical activities is essential. Taking time off from work and participating in various community activities help in the rejuvenation of mind and soul. Regular exercise and small breaks can help improve the physical symptoms of stress. Overall, a proper balance between work and time-off will help caregivers avoid compassion fatigue.
References
Chapman, E. (2007). Radical loving care: Building the healing hospital in America. Baptist Healing Hospital Trust. ISBN-10: 0974736600.ISBN-13: 978-0974736600
Sabo, B. (2011). Reflecting on the Concept of Compassion Fatigue. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing Vol. 16, No. 1, Manuscript 1. Retrieved on 2nd February 2014 from <http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol-16-2011/No1-Jan-2011/Concept-of-Compassion-Fatigue.html>
Mathieu, F. (2007). Running on Empty: Compassion Fatigue in Health Professionals. Rehab & Community Care Medicine. Retrieved on 2nd February 2014 from <http://www.compassionfatigue.org/pages/RunningOnEmpty.pdf>
Portnoy, D. (2011). Burnout and Compassion Fatigue Watch for the Signs. Health Progress. Retrieved on 2nd February 2014 from < http://www.compassionfatigue.org/pages/healthprogress.pdf>
