Burn Out * To be burn out: * A state of emotional exhaustion caused by the stresses of one’s job, responsibilities, work environment or lack of support. * Compassion Fatigue Syndrome: * A physical, emotional and spiritual fatigue or exhaustion that takes over a person and causes a decline in their ability to experience joy or feel and care for others. * Phases of Compassion Fatigue: * Idealist Phase: A. Motivated by idealism B. Ready to serve & problem solve C. Desires to contribute & make a difference D. Volunteers to help E. Full of energy & enthusiasm * Irritability Phase A. Cuts corners B. Avoid client contact C. Mock peers & client D. Underestimates own efforts at wellness E. Loss concentration & focus F. Distance oneself from others

* Withdrawal Phase A. Loses patience with clients B. Become defensive C. Neglects self & others D. Chronically fatigued E. Loses hope F. Views oneself as a victim & isolates oneself * Zombie Phase A. Views others as ignorant or incompetent B. Loses, patience, sense of humor & zest for life C. Dislike others D. Becomes easily enraged

Signs and Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue Work Related * Avoidance or dread of working with certain patients * Reduced ability to feel empathy towards patients or families * Frequent use of sick days * Lack of Joyfulness Physical: * Headaches * Digestive problems: Diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach * Muscle tension * Sleep Disturbances: Inability to sleep, insomnia, too much sleep * Fatigue * Cardiac symptoms: Chest pain/pressure, palpitations, tachycardia Emotional: * Mood Swings * Restlessness * Irritability * Oversensitivity * Anxiety * Increased use of alcohol and drugs * Depression * Anger and Resentment * Memory Issues * Poor Concentration, Focus and Judgment . How to prevent compassion fatigue? There are no known clinical treatment options for compassion trauma, but there are a number of recommended preventative measures. * Must continually practice good emotional health maintenance along the way and maintain some sort of balance in your life. * Practice fundamental self- care * See positive in life * Spend time with family and friends * Stress reduction practices have been shown to be effective. Taking a break from work, participating in breathing exercises, exercising and other recreational activities all help reduce the stress associated STS(secondary Traumatic Stress). * Most Hospitals now include an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as part of the Human Resources Department. The primary purpose to provide employees with supportive counseling for personal and /or work related issues. Talking about ones concerns and feelings with an appropriate person can give support and hope to the caregiver and assist with the development of an action plan to address compassion fatigue. * Often and EAP will present formal classes on relevant, life –learning topics, such as managing time, balancing a budget, caring for an elderly parent, reducing stress…… These classes are designed to decrease stress, enhance work –life balance, and provide help for employees experiencing conditions such as compassion fatigue.

Conclusion: Compassion Fatigue can lead to very serious problems such as depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. When this happens you deserve to have help. Talk to your physician about options such as counseling. Compassion Fatigue counseling needs to focus on a combination of screening for and treating depression and secondary traumatic stress as well as developing and early detection system to prevent relapse. The Focus is also on assessing work/life balance and developing strategies to deal with difficult case loads and repeated exposure to traumatic material. When Looking for a counselor, be sure to ask them if they are familiar with treating compassion fatigue. Developing compassion fatigue is a gradual, cumulative process and so is healing from its effects. Most people that suffer from compassion fatigue need to make life changes and put their own health and wellness at the top of the priority list.