Compassion-fatigued caregivers should not try to make any major life decisions until they've recovered physically, emotionally and spiritually. This is perhaps the most important advice we can give. Don't quit your job, get a divorce or spend money on a lavish trip or new sports car. It might feel great at the time, but a few days or weeks later, the same set of problems will resurface.

Similarly, blaming administration, staff, co-workers or the "system" will not be productive. Being adversarial will only create further exhaustion and prevent deeper healing that needs to take place. The same recommendation goes for looking for another job. Wait until self perceptions are more logical and less emotionally-charged and until current stress is under control.

Also avoid commiserating with discontented co-workers. "Misery loves company." It's easy to fall into the habit of complaining when experiencing compassion fatigue, but it will only make things worse. There are other, more constructive environments to share and express feelings in a more therapeutic environment.

Compassion fatigue often makes one vulnerable to addictive behaviors and substance abuse. Many helping professionals try to deal with compassion fatigue by working longer and harder. Other self-medicate with alcohol and prescription drugs. There are a whole host of other addictive behaviors that are used to relieve personal pain. Don't abuse work, alcohol or drugs and don't fall prey to a quick fix. Just as drugs can be addictive and eventually cause a whole different set of problems, the quick fix usually complicates an already overburdened life, escalating the downward spiral to burnout and depression.