According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), working as a counselor, especially a crisis counselor, can cause something called “compassion fatigue.”
What is Compassion Fatigue?
SAMHSA reports “compassion fatigue” (CF) as burnout and a form of “secondary trauma” stress. Burnout is described as feelings of exhaustion, having a negative outlook of work, and feeling as though you are not being effective in your work (SAMHSA). Secondary trauma stress happens when you hear traumas that your clients have experienced. This is cause significant stress, especially having difficulties in leaving your work at work. Bringing our client’s stress and trauma home, can not only affect our mental well-being but begin to influence those around us.
What are the signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue?
Compassion fatigue can manifest in a myriad of physical and emotional symptoms. CF can cause many “negative” emotions including anger, annoyance, irritability, anxiety, resentfulness, sadness, and much more (Stoewen, 2020). You may notice a difference in your ability to use good judgment, your concentration, the completion of tasks, difficulties remembering things, and feeling overwhelmed. This fatigue may lead to a negative view of self and feelings of inadequacy (Stoewen, 2020). CF can also lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, chronic pain, sleep disturbance, and exhaustion. You may find yourself struggling to engage with clients, or having the ability to “sympathize” or empathize with them.
Ways to combat Compassion Fatigue
- Increase your self-care – increases positive feelings and fulfilment
- Take mental health days
- Utilize resources, guided imagery, grounding, relaxation techniques, etc
- Lean on social supports
- Advocate for yourself and prioritize your mental health
REMEMBER: You can give as much as your mentality is allowing you to give.
For more information visit the Resources used in this article:
Faith and Therapy 
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