Compassion Fatigue

Compassion fatigue is defined as a natural consequence and by-product of caring for, listening to and helping those traumatized or learning about and hearing stories of those traumatized.

Who is Vulnerable?

* Those of us who have empathy and are exposed to a number of people with problems, exposed to trauma or who are traumatized.
* Trauma workers include police, emergency workers, therapists and pastors.
* We who have experienced trauma and trauma that remains unresolved. (The hurts and wounds of being a pastor)
* Those of us who view ourselves as saviors or rescuers.

Comparing Compassion Fatigue to Burnout:

Compassion Fatigue:

* Preoccupation with absorbing trauma and emotional stresses of others.
* Symptoms similar to burnout, but onset is faster, with better opportunity to recover.
* May lead to burnout.

Burnout:

* Subtle, over time and leads one to believe he or she is not meant for this type of work.
* Feelings of being ineffective, callous, negative, emotional absence, sarcastic and "stuck".

Solutions:

* Jesus Himself too a "time out" for prayer, meditation and rest!
* We have a tendency to do more, only to accomplish less! Time management is one of our biggest problems - "burning a candle at both ends"!
* Be aware of the enemy! Exercise, eat relaxed meals, spend time with your family and friends, develop outside interests, before counseling-reflect and reorganize thoughts, spend time for prayer and meditation and celebrate closures.

Remember...You are the most important person in your life! You cannot help others unless you take care of yourself!! "Love your neighbor as yourself". Lev 19:18; Luke 10:27; Galatians 5:14.

Self Assessment for Compassion Fatigue

1. _____ Professional concerns commonly intrude on my professional role.
2. _____ My colleagues or church members seem to lack understanding.
3. _____ I find small changes are enormously draining.
4. _____ I can't seem to recover quickly after association with a traumatic event.
5. _____ Association with trauma affects me very deeply.
6. _____ My client's stress affects me deeply.
7. _____ I have lost my sense of hopefulness.
8. _____ I feel vulnerable most of the time.
9. _____ I feel overwhelmed by unfinished business, both personal and church.