Strategies for Coping With Compassion Fatigue

Compassion is a human emotion allowing people to empathize with others. It's also an emotion that leaves caregivers vulnerable to compassion fatigue. Symptoms of compassion fatigue include exhaustion, irritability, headaches and depression. Coping strategies help caregivers regain balance and joy.

Types

• Strategies for coping with compassion fatigue fall into three categories: physical, psychological and social. Physical strategies concentrate on proper sleep, exercise, nutrition and releasing muscle tension. Psychological strategies include relaxation time, contact with nature, creative expression, balancing work time with recreation and self-awareness. Social strategies include developing a support system of friends and coworkers, getting professional help and activism.

Benefits

• Utilizing coping strategies to deal with compassion fatigue will help caregivers take care of themselves and lead happier lives. It will help them continue giving quality, compassionate care to others. Additionally, it can prevent future burnout.

Warnings

• If left unaddressed, compassion fatigue may lead to deepening depression and patterns of negative coping behaviors. These behaviors may include substance abuse and alcoholism. Negative coping behaviors may ultimately end a caregiver's ability to give compassionate care to others.