Compassion Fatigue and Burnout
Are you feeling more and more overwhelmed lately?
Have you noticed yourself pulling away from others, spending extra time scrolling through social media, bottling up your emotions, feeling increasingly tired, or dreading your workdays?
If any of these situations sound familiar, you might be experiencing burnout or compassion fatigue.
Educators, healthcare workers, therapists, and caregivers play a crucial role in supporting individuals dealing with trauma, trauma responses, and intense emotional states. Although a person’s profession can be very rewarding, it's all too easy to neglect your own self-care and emotional health. Supporting others’ emotional well-being can also drain your energy, compassion, empathy, and overall wellness.
Compassion Fatigue vs. Burnout
Compassion fatigue occurs when a person repeatedly empathizes with someone else's distress, emotions, or trauma. This can result in a sense of "numbness" regarding the emotions and experiences of those around us.
On the other hand, burnout arises from continuous and persistent stressors, which can be intensified by both work and personal circumstances. If you are encountering relentless stress that feels unending, it may indicate that you are experiencing burnout.
Treating Compassion Fatigue and Burnout
Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, ensuring you get enough rest, and taking regular breaks can assist you in combating compassion fatigue and burnout. It's important to establish and maintain emotional boundaries all while staying plugged into what is going on around you. Setting aside time for self-care and dedicating time to therapy can prove to be advantageous.
If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of burnout or compassion fatigue and would like support, Integrative Holistic Counseling therapists are accepting new patients.
