Are You Suffering from Compassion Fatigue?

Uncategorized  |  November 27, 2018

Anytime family or friends are in a position of caring for a loved one, symptoms of chronic stress will likely appear. The loving care that’s provided to someone else can actually cause the caregiver to suffer emotionally and physically. This is a common problem labeled compassion fatigue. This term is often used when people are helping a loved one who is injured, ill or traumatized. Caregivers usually have the best intentions while trying to assist, not realizing that someone who is elderly, ill, or incapacitated can be an overwhelming burden – mentally, physically and emotionally.

Compassion fatigue may be similar to burnout, but it’s more unpredictable. Burnout may occur over a long period of time, whereas compassion fatigue can arrive suddenly. Burnout might be so severe that someone will even have to give up a job, or even an occupation. With compassion fatigue, caregivers can be treated much more easily with specific things to do for self-care while providing for a loved one.

It’s a must for caregivers to rejuvenate between their caregiving shifts or they may suffer intense emotional pain and physical fatigue. Caregivers must be on the watch for symptoms and stress management tools to continue to live in a healthy way. Caregivers need to ask for assistance before things get too hard.

Consider the common symptoms of compassion fatigue:

1. Withdrawal, isolation, or feelings of being disconnected

2. Apathy or a lower threshold for compassion or empathy

3. Problems arising in other relationships

4. Feelings of inequity toward the caregiver relationship

5. Loss of meaning in caregiving

6. Destructive behaviors or substance abuse

7. Unexplained headaches

8. Difficulty sleeping

9. Weight loss

10. Anger, irritability, anxiety

11. Chronic exhaustion (emotional and/or physical

12. Feelings of dread, impending disaster or guilt

Of course, you probably have love and compassion for the one you care for, but that’s not enough to prevent emotional and physical fatigue. Comfort Keepers® understands compassion fatigue and how demanding to care for a loved one can be. We are able to provide respite care, caregiving services, and senior care services for you, your parent, or friend in need. Contact us today and talk to one of our experts about our care.

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