Compassion Fatigue - Do You Need Help?

Normally, compassion fatigue was a term used mostly with health care professionals who reach ‘burnout’ from the amount of compassion they must have on a daily basis. However, with today’s globalized world and instant access to news all around the globe, compassion fatigue is reaching the average person as well.

‘We are inundated with graphic images of the unimaginable suffering of millions. We can fathom the suffering of a few, but a million becomes a statistic that numbs us’. - Dr. Amit Sood, The Mayo Clinic

It can be rather overwhelming to feel so many emotions on a daily basis, especially for empaths with no training in practicing a healthy amount of compassion. Compassion fatigue can have a negative impact on your life and your daily functioning. Although it’s healthy to have compassion, sympathy, and care for others you need to find a healthy balance so that it’s not all-consuming.

You might be suffering from compassion fatigue, and need help if you notice the following symptoms in your life:

  • Feeling burdened by the suffering of others

  • Isolating yourself and blaming others for their suffering

  • Loss of pleasure in life

  • Difficulty concentrating on daily tasks

  • Physical and mental fatigue

  • Insomnia and sleeping problems

  • Suppressing or bottling up emotions

  • Feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness

  • Overeating or substance abuse

  • Increased nightmares

  • Poor self-care

If you find yourself ticking ‘yes’ to many of these symptoms it might be a good idea to get help in managing your compassion so that you can get back to feeling healthy sympathy and empathy for others.