Essay On Compassion Fatigue

I am not new to the terms compassion fatigue, burn out and vicarious trauma. I have worked in the healthcare and substance abuse field for many years now. Compassion fatigue, burn out and vicarious trauma is covered often in the healthcare and substance abuse field.
Compassion Fatigue
Compassion fatigue is defined as; “a state experienced by those helping people in distress; it is an extreme state of tension and preoccupation with the suffering of those being helped to the degree that it can create a secondary traumatic stress for the helper (Gigley & Kurzweg, n.d.).” Compassion fatigue can mirror symptoms of PTSD and/or Depression. Individuals with compassion fatigue can exhibit the following symptoms: excessive blaming, bottled up emotions, isolation, engage in substance abuse to mask feelings, compulsive behaviors, poor self-care, feeling tired mentally/physically, anxiety, irritability, depression, and difficulty sleeping (Gigley & Kurzweg, n.d.). Suggested ways to combat compassion fatigue include; reduce stress, be aware of personal needs, create a work/life balance, talk about it and practice regular self-care.
Vicarious Trauma
Vicarious trauma is defined as; “the emotional residue of exposure that counselors have from working with people as they are hearing their trauma stories and become witness to the pain, fear and terror
My training and knowledge of the two helps me to be able to identify signs and symptoms. If I am showing signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma I address it immediately by talking with my partner, coworkers, supervisor and/or counselor. Working in this field can be extremely difficult and listening to horrific trauma can lead to the clinician to experience secondary trauma. It is so important to have self-awareness and education in compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma so we can continue to be effective in our role as a