Thread by @DrPetra

Today’s #ResearchTip is we’re at the stage in the pandemic where compassion fatigue is really showing itself. This may affect teaching, supervision, research, mentoring and #PastoralCare It’s understandable, but may not be immediately obvious.
#AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter

What are the signs of compassion fatigue?
Your appetite, sleep or concentration may be affected.
You could feel exhausted (mentally and physically), dizzy or sick.
It may be difficult to be sympathetic to others, especially those you think are making a fuss without good reason

Some people feel overwhelmed with many angry, irritable or sad feelings. Others feel detached or numb. Still more fret about what they could or should have done in difficult situations. Or dwell on incidents and individuals they believe have harmed others.

It’s not unusual to also feel disconnected from life, or that you are either powerless to help others (and yourself) or there’s no point trying to make a difference or give assistance. This may be especially acute if you’ve an overwhelming caseload and face many obstacles

Things you may have enjoyed in the past, particularly ones that were stress relieving, no longer appeal. And you may find it difficult to take any pleasure from life, have hope for the future, maintain a faith, have confidence in your abilities, or trust things will be okay.

These reactions may manifest themselves by you withdrawing,having angry outbursts, appearing emotionally cold or unavailable, risk taking, pushing others to overwork, comparing people’s suffering, or taking on a lot more work (particularly risky or emotionally charged activities)

You may try to self medicate with food, alcohol or other drugs. You may be very resistant to suggestions of seeking help, accepting support, or other people noticing you might be struggling. You may react with “I’m fine” and suggestions you aren’t make you angry or dismissive

Your responses to others may have altered so care, compassion and assistance you gave in the past you are less likely to offer now. Or those you have supported for some time you now feel should be able to move on or get over it. You may tell some “home truths” in frustration

You may have great compassion and sleepless nights over the cases you encounter where individuals or communities are in great need or really suffering (in your view). These may be people you work with or stories in the news. You may seek out grim coverage and get more outraged.

Simultaneously you may be irritated or dismissive or with those you feel are making a fuss with far less to be upset about compared to either you, loved ones or others you support. You may even tell others how bad it could be, or they’ve no idea what suffering really means

You may find it hard to switch off. And that may be worsened if your workload is overwhelming, if accommodations have not been made, or if you are experiencing bullying or harassment. If you’re pushed when your compassion is low it will be further depleted.

This might impact on your relationships with colleagues, friends, family and loved ones. People may be worried in the change they see in you or you may go to great efforts to hide it. Which in turn uses up your energy to assist or care for others.

Compassion fatigue can be much worse in a long term, apparently unending situation (like the pandemic). Especially in one where lots of people are facing similar issues (so you feel you can’t complain or are told not to). And in unpredictable or unknown times (again, pandemic)

It can be relieved by better working conditions, safer working practices, reduced workload, time off, strategies for relaxation and self care, regular debriefing, proper training and supervision, and recognising symptoms. As you can see it has an external, structural cause

This is important to recognise as often compassion fatigue is reacted to (particularly by employers but also friends, loved ones and peers) as if it is a personal failing, a weakness or you being difficult. This always makes compassion fatigue worse and can cause burnout.

Why is compassion fatigue concerning? Apart from it feeling horrible and impacting on your life it has repercussions for other people’s wellbeing. And can lead to people getting sick or being in so much pain or feeling so hopeless they harm themselves or believe they can’t go on.

It can cause or worsen depression, OCD and anxiety. But people may not make the connection between all the reactions they’re having, compassion fatigue, and what is driving it.

If any of this thread sounds familiar - and it probably will if you’re in health or social care, emergency services, education or the third sector (to name a few) you may find this guide useful theresearchcompanion.com/burnout (it’s not on compassion fatigue but is a starter to get help)

Having energy to do anything is challenging with compassion fatigue, as is letting go of rage and responsibilities. Before you tackle complex, systemic stuff, you can do something positive or healing for yourself, today. And if that suggestion makes you angry, that’s a clue too

You can also
- talk to your GP
- join a union
- make yourself take breaks
- switch off news and social media
- limit time on work/study email or WhatsApp
- seek supervision and debriefing
- use occupational health
- have designated times to focus on cases/problems

There is more information on safety here that applies to research but has links to organisations that can be used in most workplaces theresearchcompanion.com/safetyprotocol…

Finally you can share this thread and use it to begin sensitive conversations with others (remember permissions and boundaries!)
Before that make your first move away from compassion fatigue and towards healing by having a soft drink and doing something you love for 30 minutes.