One of the health concerns during these days of recovery from the hurricanes in the south could be compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is what occurs to a caregiver when they have given too much. A person can succumb to anxiety and depression. The caregiver might have survivors’ guilt that the condition of concern happened to someone else and not to me. Care giving can become routine or even a burden for the caregiver. The caregiver may no longer have the energy to provide the care. The caregiver may experience hopelessness.

Giving too much, being around traumatic situations, can take a toll on the people whose job or desire is to be generous, altruistic, simply want to lend a helping hand. With the stories of the hurricanes and the ongoing disasters of war, and numerous other tragedies which are reported some can almost become addicted to the news, fearing that they cannot be in the dark about the tragedies which are occurring. Healthcare professionals can be afflicted by this condition. Many who spend time as caregivers for older persons, those who are very sick or have a debilitating condition, may also suffer from compassion fatigue. It is an understandable condition which warrants attention and self care for the person who is experiencing it.

A person struggling with compassion fatigue is exhausted. The energy, interest, talents, and professional skills, the simple desire to help, are all in need of rest. This is not a moral or religious issue. It is not wrong or a sin to run out of the energy to care. It can be a moral or spiritual issue of a sort, as well as an overall health issue, if one does not listen to what is going on within and become aware of the clues that it is time to take a break. When you feel you can give care no longer you may need a break.

Some of the things to do are to avoid traumatic stories on TV; don’t stay glued to the TV. Take time for self care, both physically and spiritually. Find fun and restful activities. Look for signs of hope, in skills your kids might be learning, in a new adventure which you might take to a new museum, play or musical. You may literally need time away, whether it is a vacation, a sabbatical, or leave of absence. Home care givers need respite care for themselves so that they can spend time away from their care receiver while someone else takes over. It is always important to talk about these feelings with a friend, colleague, religious leader, your spouse, or other close family member. In severe cases you could consult a professional. The point is that caregivers are just the people who both want, and because of who they are, the care receiver needs. Giving and being generous are central to many of our faith traditions. But, it, too, needs to be nurtured. Take care of yourself so you can continue to take of the world which you have been given.

Dr. Paul J. Melrose is Director of Clinical Services at the Samaritan Counseling Center of SE Michigan. He can be reached through www.paulmelrose.com, or 248-474-4701. The staff of the Samaritan Counseling Center can be reached at www.samaritancounselingmichigan.com or 248-474-4701.
 

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