Combatting Compassion Fatigue for Caregivers
Combatting Compassion Fatigue for Caregivers
The medical profession suffers from a high rate of burnout. This is known as compassion fatigue, secondary traumatization or vicarious traumatization. However, no matter what it’s called, compassion fatigue greatly decreases the quality of care any caregiver can provide. Every day, caregivers see their patients suffer and die. It is practically impossible not to have this living nightmare impact one’s psyche and spirit.
Nurses are especially prone to burnout because of the intense pressure placed upon them not only by their job requirements, but by high expectations of patients and their families. In a Gallup poll of 2011, nursing was ranked as one of the most trusted professions in America (Todaro-Franceshci, 2012). Placing caregivers on such high pedestals inevitably leads to long falls.
Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue
There are many warning signs of compassion fatigue, but the main symptom is that the caregiver no longer acts or feels normally. He or she would rather be doing anything other than working. These are the most common signs of compassion fatigue, according to the American Academy of Family Practitioners:
- Increase in physical problems: Constant stress can cause a breakdown in the body’s ability to care for itself. Caregivers suffering from compassion fatigue often experience an increase in headaches, gastrointestinal problems, constant exhaustion, problems sleeping and high blood pressure.
- Increase in depressive symptoms: Although compassion fatigue is not listed as a psychological disorder, the symptoms are nearly identical to someone suffering from major depression or a serious depressive episode. These include feelings of hopelessness, crying fits, a loss if interest in things that used to give the person lots of joy and constant irritability.
- Increase in instances of self-medication: Those in the medical profession feel a huge responsibility to keep on working even if their bodies and spirits have broken down. Self-medication through alcohol, drugs, tobacco, comfort foods or through overwork seems to be a quick fix but ultimately leads to long-term problems.
- Increase in absenteeism: When caregivers do not want to work, they will be very creative inn finding ways not to work. They may also take extra-long breaks or lunches.
- Increase in blaming others for problems instead of admitting to mistakes.
Coping Strategies
Fortunately, there are many resources and coping strategies for caregivers than ever before. The first thing that needs to be done is to not ignore the problem but face it. Compassion fatigue is a normal part of being a nurse, doctor or other caregiver. It is not a character flaw. Start talking to others about the problem or go online to research compassion fatigue. Websites for the American Academy of Family Practitioners, the Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project and the American Nurses Association are great places to start.
The best thing a caregiver can do is connect with others (Todaro-Franceshci, 2012). Caregivers showing depressive symptoms will tend to avoid contact with others. This then reinforces their depressive feelings. However, talking to friends, family, co-workers and therapists can help relieve the incredible burden caregivers struggle under. The AAFP recommends having one meaningful conversation per day to help prevent compassion fatigue.
After taking time to spend with others, the caregiver should then spend quality time alone. This can time for exercise, reading, taking a relaxing bath or practicing devotions of whatever religion the caregiver follows. Many caregivers find great comfort in religious or spiritual practices because it shows them that their stressful work has significance (Todaro-Franceshci, 2012).
Caregivers should not spend all hours of the day and night devoted to their jobs. They need time off from work. Successful caregivers have many interests outside of their jobs. Even taking the time to enjoy a television show once a week helps give the mind a much needed time out from the pressures of caregiving. Take up a hobby. Read silly books. Listen to that CD recommended by friends.
It is also important that caregivers take care of themselves. Taking care of one’s self tends to get a very low priority compared to caring for others. The body needs sufficient sleep, a balanced diet and regular exercise in order to have enough energy to cope with the ever-changing demands of the job. Many caregivers smoke because it suppresses the appetite and gives a temporary high. Caregivers are highly encouraged to quit smoking in order to protect their long-term health. Smoking also deadens the taste buds, making healthier foods harder to taste. This leads to poor food choices. Caregivers also need to have an annual check-up with their own doctors to address any health problems before they become crippling. It is very tempting for caregivers to skip routine check-ups and medical tests just because they know so much about the medical field already.
Although at first compassion fatigue seems like an invincible army, it can be defeated or at least brought to surrender through connecting with others, taking time for one’s self and having interests outside of medicine.
References
American Academy of Family Physicians. “Overcoming Compassion Fatigue.” http://www.aafp.org/fpm/2000/0400/p39.html. Retrieved July 7, 2014.
Todaro-Franceshci, Vidette. Compassion Fatigue and Burnout in Nursing: Encompassing Professional Quality of Life. Springer Publishing Company: 2012.
