How to Prevent Compassion Fatigue or Burnout

Compassion fatigue, otherwise known as burnout, is a psychological, spiritual or physical state in which a caregiver experiences exhaustion or a lessening of ability to empathize with and care for others, according to PSPInformation.com. It occurs most frequently among health care providers, social workers and members of the clergy, as well as those caring for ill or elderly family members. Especially for those who work in health care, this compassionate overload can lead to inadequate care for patients, and depression or anxiety disorder, says Dr. Caroline Carney Doebbeling, associate professor of medicine and psychiatry at Indiana University School of Medicine.

Instructions

• 1

  Take your breaks and use your vacation time. PSPInformation.com states that taking time to care for yourself helps to stem the negative effects of constant patient care. Find someone who can occasionally relieve you of your patient care responsibilities if you are caring for someone who is ill or elderly in a home setting.

• 2

  Get plenty of rest. PSPInformation.com points out that lack of sleep can contribute to compassion fatigue.

• 3

  Pay attention to dietary and recreational concerns. According to PSPInformation.com, this includes limiting intake of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine.

• 4

  Treat yourself to positive, relaxing experiences. According to PSPInformation.com, this might include such things as "attending a field trip with your child where you're truly enjoying the experience, or volunteering where you're able to give and receive."

• 5

  Change work environments. If you feel the onset of compassion fatigue, you may find relief by transferring or changing to another line of work altogether. This is an especially attractive option if your place of work doesn't offer any sort of support for caregivers who may be suffering from burnout. After all, a supportive environment is critical not only for your emotional well-being but also for the physical and emotional well-being of those for whom you care, according to Dr. Doebbeling.