Helping people deal with trauma can be a meaningful experience and can also take a toll on caregivers. Over time, the possibility of stress that comes with helping others can cause the following symptoms to interfere with everyday life:
These symptoms are often called compassion fatigue or secondary traumatic stress. Left untreated, compassion fatigue can lead to burnout and other conditions that might not go away on their own, like depression. If you work with trauma victims, learn about the steps you can take to recognize, limit and treat these effects.
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It's important to recognize and treat compassion fatigue to avoid daily and long-term effects. Untreated compassion fatigue can impair your performance at work or as a volunteer; it's important to get help quickly if you are feeling overwhelmed. Asking for help is a sign of strength. Be patient with yourself and ask others to be patient with you.
Who's at risk for compassion fatigue?
A number of people who come in contact with injured service members are at risk for compassion fatigue:
- Military and Family Support Center leaders
- Casualty assistance officers
People may be especially vulnerable to the effects of compassion fatigue if they experienced unresolved trauma in their own lives or are going through an event at the same time as the people they are treating.
Signs of compassion fatigue
The effects of compassion fatigue can come on suddenly or happen over time. Knowing what symptoms to watch for is the key to recognizing the condition before it worsens. The signs are similar to the signs of post-traumatic stress, but can vary greatly among individuals:
- Changes in appetite, sleep or other habits
- Heart palpitations or shortness of breath
- Cold or flu-like symptoms
Get help right away if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts. Call the Military Crisis Line at 800-273-8255, and then press 1, to learn about resources in your community. If you have physical symptoms, see your health care provider to rule out a more serious condition.
Finding help
Seek
help if you recognize compassion fatigue symptoms in yourself or another.
Help is available for the helper. Voicing your feelings and fears can often help you feel more in control and less alone.
- Talk with someone you trust.
- Take part in debriefing sessions for people in your line of work.
- Talk with a health care professional.
Call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 to talk with a confidential, non-medical counselor for free. Military OneSource consultants can also help you find resources in your local community, and connect you with a peer-to-peer specialty consultant and other caregiver support resources available through Military OneSource. You can also access non-medical counseling services through the Military and Family Life Counseling program at your installation. You can find information about this program through your Military and Family Support Center.
Coping
Taking care of your physical needs and emotional well-being will help you stay healthy, so you can be of service others.
- Limit your exposure to news reports.
- Avoid using alcohol or non-prescription drugs.
- Make your workplace comfortable and soothing.
- Focus on the powerful impact you're having on the people you help.