Understanding Compassion Fatigue: A Guide to Overcoming it, Backed by Experts
Discover how to cope with compassion fatigue and overcome the overwhelming sadness and anger caused by tragedies Learn the importance of self-care and why feeling guilty can actually be beneficial Experts recommend taking breaks from trauma without turning away from it
Engrossing ourselves in tragic events and intense discussions about Israel and Gaza may lead to compassion fatigue, warned Dr. Rebecca Sachs, a New York City-based clinical psychologist.
Compassion fatigue, also known as secondary trauma, can lead to feelings of trauma even if you are not directly experiencing the event, according to Dr. Charles Figley, Kurzweg Distinguished Chair in Disaster Mental Health at Tulane University in New Orleans.
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The phrase was coined to encompass the encounters faced by individuals in caregiving positions or professions, which include therapists, firefighters, police officers, emergency room healthcare professionals, and family members providing care for individuals with chronic conditions, as explained by Figley.
However, individuals who witness traumatic events occurring in their own communities or in communities they feel connected to, as well as individuals who empathize with such events from a distance, may also experience the effects of compassion fatigue, according to Sachs. If not addressed, this can result in exhaustion, irritability, and challenges in sustaining their empathetic responses, Sachs added.
According to Figley, in order to be the best version of yourself for both yourself and the people and causes you care about, it is crucial to regularly assess your own well-being and avoid experiencing compassion fatigue.
Disconnecting does not imply disengaging.
According to Figley, a crucial aspect of achieving a balance between self-care and caring for others is recognizing the right time to set aside challenging topics.
"The people I've spoken to don't struggle with being engaged," he explained. "Their struggle lies in disengaging."
Turning off does not require you to disengage from the issues that matter to you, according to Sachs. "I wouldn't insist on a binary approach," she explained. "The key is to determine the level of involvement that allows you to build a solid base for taking meaningful action."
"But also, what is the level of engagement at this moment in time that just may be too much?"
After a tragedy, we want to reassure our children that people are inherently good rather than bad. As a Jewish woman, Sachs acknowledges that discussing the Israeli conflict with friends and acquaintances is important, but she currently doesn't feel prepared to engage in such discussions.
"This is not currently my responsibility. It will be my responsibility at a later time," she remarked.
At present, Sachs is fulfilling the request of her family members in Israel who have asked for more video calls to provide support, and she regards this as her "meaningful contribution."
According to Figley, it is crucial to find strategies to prevent overwhelming emotional responses from dominating your mindset.
"When a dog gets out of the pond it shakes its body, and it releases all the water," he said. "We cant do that."
What is self-care, exactly?
Self-care may appear as a nebulous concept, yet its definition varies because it is highly personalized, according to Sachs.
She stated that it can manifest as rejuvenation through a soothing bath, seeking solace in a confidant to release frustrations, or momentarily escaping stress through engaging in a delightful activity.
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Effective self-care just requires that you take time to connect with your needs and implement that care regularly.
"It's not merely a temporary solution," Sachs stated. "It's not a matter of spending three days at a spa to recharge and then being prepared to return."
Figley frequently suggests seeking out someone with whom you share a sense of connection for assistance.
He advised that it is crucial to find a like-minded companion who shares a similar situation and desires the same improvement in order to experience a sense of well-being. Feeling guilty is seen as a positive aspect.
When you know that people in the world are suffering, it may feel selfish to take time for your own fun or relaxation, Sachs said.
Thats OK, she added.
Sachs acknowledged, "It would be strange not to experience guilt. In fact, it helps us excel in our work, but addressing it is not always necessary."
Maintaining balance involves embracing both the joyous and dynamic aspects of our lives as well as acknowledging the presence of guilt, empathy, and sadness. She emphasized that neither of these emotions should be avoided.
"There will be instances when I will genuinely experience this suffering," Sachs expressed. "However, there will also be moments when I prioritize my own well-being and feel a sense of guilt for not immersing myself in the hardships that accompany being human."
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