Compassion Fatigue: You Feel Too Much!

In Brazil this phenomenon is still little known, but it may have touched you. It’s difficult to read world news without feeling a pang in your heart at the many tragedies that happen, natural or man-made. As much as it may seem necessary to get involved in everything that is happening, if you don’t […]

In Brazil this phenomenon is still little known, but it may have struck you

It is difficult to read news from around the world without feeling pain in your heart at the many tragedies that occur, whether natural or man-made. As much as it may seem necessary to be involved in everything that happens, if you don’t set limits you can develop compassion fatigue syndrome.

But what is compassion fatigue?

Developed by Charles Figley, an American psychologist, in 1985, the term compassion fatigue was created for professionals – such as therapists, firefighters, police officers, doctors, and family members of people with chronic illnesses – who experience emotional exhaustion due to continued exposure to the suffering and hardships of others. “This empathy and intense emotional involvement with the suffering of others can lead to emotional, physical and cognitive exhaustion,” explains psychologist Larissa Fonseca.

However, in an interview with CNN North American, the creator of the term, Charles Figley, who is a professor at Tulane Universityin New Orleans, USA – said the compassion fatigue It can also be considered a secondary trauma, meaning you will be traumatized even if you are not the one experiencing the event.

Symptoms

The Center for Addiction and Mental Health Canada explains that the main symptoms of compassion fatigue include:

• Feeling of helplessness in the face of the patient’s suffering;
• Reduced feelings of empathy and sensitivity;
• Feeling of overload due to work demands;
• Feelings of detachment and disconnection, as well as loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed;
• Increased anxiety, sadness, irritation and anger;
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions;
• Difficulty sleeping and sleep disturbances, such as nightmares;
• Physical symptoms such as headache, nausea, stomach pain and dizziness;
• Increased conflict in personal relationships;
• Neglect of one’s personal care, as well as isolation and increased use of substances as a form of self-medication.

We have to take care of ourselves!

To be the best you can be for yourself, those you love, and the issues you support, it’s important to take care of yourself and understand how your body reacts to everything that’s happening around you. Whether you are a professional who deals directly with the problems of others, or simply a person who empathizes with their pain.

Larissa recommends working, in therapy, on reflection on your life and feelings of inability. “Plus, you can establish healthy boundaries between work and personal life, and even with the news. As well as engaging in activities that are good for you and seeking out friends who connect with the causes you support.”

Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.