Overview

Compassion fatigue is a state where one feels depleted emotionally, physically and mentally. Burnout and compassion fatigue can result from the inherent vulnerability involved in the need to empathize with traumatized or suffering clients. In 1992, the term "compassion fatigue" was first used to describe nurses worn down from dealing daily with hospital emergencies (Figley, 1995). Since then, it's been "fine-tuned" and the phenomenon goes by several names - burnout, secondary trauma stress disorder, vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue.

Compassion fatigue is a feeling of being drained, being tapped out and having little energy to give to others. Most of us have been there. Usually after a break, we revive and step back up to the plate. What happens, however, when these feelings don’t pass—going beyond fatigue and turning into something much worse, like apathy? This could spell trouble for those in the health care and other caring professions.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

1. Define compassion fatigue;
2. Identify at least five symptoms of compassion fatigue;
3. List two common barriers to practicing self-care; and
4. Practice self-administered stress reduction/relaxation techniques.