Secondary Trauma, Vicarious Trauma
Treating Compassion Fatigue
Hospitals, nursing and police unions, medical associations, correctional facilities , and other professional groups have become more aware of the effects of secondary trauma and now urge those in the helping professions to offset such fatigue.
We think someone else's problem is theirs, not ours. Yet we are all linked more than we realize. The more we bother to be a good influence in the world, the better the world will be—not just for others, but for us.
You can counteract such fatigue through regular exercise and healthy eating, a commitment to adequate rest and regular time off, and time in therapy . It also helps to set emotional boundaries without barricading yourself from the world.
People experiencing compassion fatigue may secretly self-medicate with alcohol , drugs, gambling, or food. Left unaddressed, compassion fatigue can develop into clinical depression or post- traumatic stress disorder.
Explore More About Compassion Fatigue
For a comprehensive understanding of compassion fatigue, read our complete guide: