Compassion Fatigue

Let's introduce burnout's friend, and sometimes dance partner, compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue can be found in professions where workers are exposed to other people's trauma. Other names for this phenomenon include "secondary or vicarious trauma," and its impact can erode a caregiver's capacity to care.

Why is this important to look for in education? Educators often empathize and care for their student's development, and this expectation only increases. Students' lives can involve various traumatic circumstances, and they may share that information with a teacher who has become a confidant. According to an article written by Psychology Today's staff, "compassion fatigue can affect the most dedicated workers—people who continue to help by working extra shifts or foregoing days off, neglecting their self-care. This can result from exposure to a single case of trauma or from years of accumulated "emotional residue." "Left unchecked, this condition can develop into depression or PTSD."

Leaders should regularly check in with their teams to be more likely to recognize the warning signs of compassion fatigue. The article lists the warning signs and causes of this phenomenon and recommends setting emotional boundaries, committing to adequate rest, taking regular time off, and recommitting to self-care.  

Source:

• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/compassion-fatigue

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