Addressing Compassion Fatigue

by | Sep 12, 2022 | Building Community, DEI (Diversity/Equity Inclusion), Engagement

As a result of hardships related to COVID-19 and many other stresses in present-day life for us and our students, many of us may be feeling compassion fatigue. This can lead to distress or burnout. In the article, “Are you experiencing compassion fatigue?” (2022), Rebecca A. Clay shares steps for managing this feeling of “empathy overload” in our lives. Below is a brief recap of the article: 

  • Recognizing the signs of compassion fatigue: Take the Professional Quality of Life assessment to determine if you have symptoms such as loss of productivity, physical and emotional exhaustion, and overall less enjoyment of work. This assessment also measures compassion satisfaction – the positive emotions associated with helping others. 
  • Making self-care part of a routine: Develop a routine that makes everyday predictable and includes: adequate sleep, healthy nutrition, physical activity, relaxation, and socializing.
  • Examining beliefs about self-care: Notice if you feel guilty or worried about taking time off for yourself, and reflect on what it truly means to practice self-care.
  • Practicing self-compassion: While practicing compassion with others, remember to treat yourself with the same empathy. Take time to reflect with yourself, a trusted person in your life, or a therapist about anything that is negatively impacting you.
  • Creating community: Connect with like-minded others which can include your family and friends. Explicitly check in with each other and address signs of compassion fatigue.
  • Helping colleagues: If you see signs of compassion fatigue in another colleague, check in with them and consider being their self-care buddy. You could even text each other to share stress levels and acts of self-care.
  • Focusing on compassion satisfaction: Celebrate the positive aspects of helping others and focus on gratitude.

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