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What is compassion
fatigue?
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A set of negative psychological symptoms
Caregivers experience it as a result of providing care
It happens when you are exposed to trauma
- Primary trauma that you experience yourself
- Secondary trauma when you are caring for someone who has experienced trauma
What is burn-out?
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A syndrome caused by workplace stress that has not been successfully managed
Some of the feelings are
- Energy depletion or exhaustion
- Increased mental distance from your job
- Feelings of negativity or cynicism about your job
- Reduced professional effectiveness
Experiencing compassion fatigue or burn-out?
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Do you experience mood swings?
Do you feel detached from your surroundings?
Do you feel numb or exhausted?
Have your sleep and or appetite been affected?
Do you feel like you have not accomplished much?
Do you constantly blame yourself or have thoughts such as “I could have done more?”
Do you feel ineffective at your job?
Do you feel like you cannot carry on the responsibilities at work?
Do you find it difficult to focus or take decisions?
Do you feel overwhelmed hearing someone else’s suffering?
Do you feel stressed at the thought of interacting with survivors of violence?
Do you find yourself constantly thinking about their suffering?
What you can do
Find someone to talk to
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Understand that the pain you feel is normal
Exercise and eat properly
Get enough sleep
Take some time off
Identify what’s important to you
Nurture your hobbies and interests that give you joy and pleasure
Who can you reach out to talk to?
Find a mentor who can help you when faced with personal or professional crises
Talk to people who can help validate your thoughts and feelings
Find a quiet place to feel calm and have a safe retreat
Monitor your feelings
Be aware of what helps you restore your energy
What you can do
Focus on what is in your control
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Maintaining healthy boundaries is essential to safeguard your health
Sometimes you might be overcommitted to help and get exhausted
Ask yourself, “What boundary could I put in place that would reduce my stress a bit?”
In a helping profession, our success is often measured by the difference we make in someone’s life
Intervention might take time to show results because of the complex nature of violence and trauma
Remember, you could be skilled, empathetic and warm and could have done your best in the situation, and yet the survivor might choose differently or the intervention might take time to show results
If she doesn’t make the best choices, it doesn’t mean you have been less successful or you are a failure
Sometimes a person might approach you with a problem that may not have a perfect or happy solution
This can be dissatisfying or draining
For example, she wants to live with a partner who is abusive and unwilling to change, but at the same time she wants to live free of violence
When this happens the solution may not be perfect or quick
Working together to find the best possible alternatives is the best service you can provide
Identify and keep tangible proofs of your achievements to give a concrete idea of the work you’ve done
Seek medical help if you need it to relieve symptoms that interfere with daily life
Avoid using alcohol or drugs as a means of coping
If for any reason you feel you are unable to manage by yourself, you can seek professional help
Supporting the mental health of survivors of domestic violence against women with dignity and pride
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