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Understanding Compassion Fatigue
I love that our Human Creative Tribe is already filled with amazing people who have huge hearts.
As a big-hearted person, you often put yourself out there the most and unfortunately, probably get hurt and taken advantage of more often (I know I have).
Possibly even overextending yourself in multiple arenas (again, I know I have) for the purpose of helping more, having a greater impact, or even 'shoring the gap'.
I used to work with automotive brands and greatly appreciate the incredible engineering and craftsmanship that goes into the vehicles we drive everyday.
Yet not even the best sports cars in the world are meant to be driven with your foot pushing the accelerator all the way down 24/7.
Balancing compassion for others and self-care is hard. Often, I find clients have good reasons they have convinced themselves of that keep them in cycles of burnout.
What if there was another way?
Let's look at Formula 1 racing. The cars are possibly the most engineered and monitored driving machines on the planet. Designed to go as fast as possible, handle curves at the highest speeds possible, and are always pushing the boundaries of what they can handle without breaking. Let's not forget the drivers. Absolutely amazing, but even they have to slow and glide through turns, take pit stops for gas and fresh tires, and of course take time between races. What about the pit stops? They have a WHOLE TEAM that specializes in race day maintenance. Because even the best vehicles in the world need to pause 2 seconds while 21 people (excludes the driver) provide the help, resources, and maintenance need for the car to continue to race.
Those engines are insane and even they can’t stay maxed out at 100% of every moment for every day.
Or what about Psychiatric nurses are some of the most giving and big hearted people, but EVEN THEY have work shifts.
Why?
Because compassion fatigue is real.
The Reality Check
In our personal lives, there are no shifts.
You get out of your work ‘shift’ and a friend in need calls, there’s a non-profit you help, you study extra to grow your career.
Perhaps you have kids that need your attention, help on school projects, are hungry, or need to be picked up from practice and so many other parts of your world - there's always something needing your time, energy, resources, attention
These can be wonderful, life-giving activities, but be aware of what’s happening inside you.
Pay attention specifically to what fills up your tank because you do need to build in shifts.
Ask yourself: Am I running all the time in giving to some person or situation?
There may be a disaster or a season when this is necessary, but it’s not sustainable long term.
Make some shifts in your giving. Be Big Brained about it - how could your limited time, energy, resources have THE MOST output from your input? How could it improve even 5%/10% this week?
Perhaps a particular item or two could be delegated off to somebody else, go play golf, calm your mind, clock out.
Do something where you’re actually ‘off’. Where you can punch out of the clock.
Remember, when you're recharged, you're more effective with the areas you choose to help with.
That’s the daily thought.
Punch out. Go do something that recharges your tank.
Self-Care WARNING!!! ⚠️
Positive benefits may include:
Increased drive and excitement for life
A increased feeling of freedom and flexibility in life
Enhanced depth in conversations
Ability to be truly present
Greater personal well-being
Ending and beginning your day with excitement
and more
Scholarly Insights:
Compassion Fatigue: Research in clinical psychology shows that compassion fatigue, often experienced by healthcare professionals, can lead to burnout and emotional exhaustion (Figley, 2002). Recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps to recharge can mitigate these effects.
Neuroscience of Rest: Studies indicate that the brain requires periods of rest to process information and recover from stress. Downtime and engaging in leisure activities can enhance cognitive function and emotional well-being (Raichle, 2010).
Self-Care and Mental Health: Maintaining a balance between work, caregiving, and personal time is crucial for mental health. Self-care practices can significantly improve resilience and reduce the risk of burnout (Pines & Aronson, 1988).
Effective Self-Care Techniques
Daily Practices for Maintaining Balance
Reflect on how you manage your time and energy. Are you constantly giving without taking time to recharge? Are there ways of giving that do recharge you? Share your experiences and strategies in the community. How do you ensure you have shifts in your giving?
Prompts:
Identify and Reflect: Think about a recent period when you felt overextended. What were you doing, and how did it impact you emotionally and physically?
Share and Support: Post your experience in the community and read others’ stories. What are their strategies for managing compassion fatigue and overextension?
Plan for Change: Based on your reflection and the community's insights, devise a plan to ensure you take time to recharge and bring in self-care strategies. What activities will you incorporate into your routine to fill up your tank?
Let’s grow together! 🌱✨ Music in video:
by Greg Murray
References:
Figley, C. R. (2002). Treating Compassion Fatigue. Brunner-Routledge.
Raichle, M. E. (2010). The Brain's Default Mode Network. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 38, 433-447.
Pines, A., & Aronson, E. (1988). Career Burnout: Causes and Cures. Free Press.
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