Compassion Fatigue vs Burnout
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
For those in the healthcare and mental health field, being exposed to challenging cases and helping clients through difficult circumstances can have an emotional impact on us vicariously.
Compassion Fatigue is described as emotional and physical wearing down that takes place when helping professionals are unable to refuel and renew . Compassion fatigue can result from intense empathic involvement with those who are in distress. It almost seems like the emotional residue we feel from absorbing vicarious trauma. In some ways, it can be thought of as the price we pay for caring for others’ emotional pain. This may lead to negative emotions or a lack of emotion from helping others in our field of work. Compassion fatigue can be felt after absorbing another person’s traumatic events.
When we don’t practice self-care, our ability to help others is compromised. As professionals in the mental health and medical field, we need to prioritize caring for ourselves before caring for others. Failure to engage in self care can do more harm than good.
Burnout is described as the result of prolonged stress or frustration, resulting in physical and emotional exhaustion. Simply put, burnout is the stress and frustration caused by the workplace.
Burnout emerges over time as work-related issues pile up, such as too much paperwork, large caseloads, short staffing, lack of communication, working long hours, and not feeling appreciated. This all results in overall work dissatisfaction. Burnout can also be a lack of interest or motivation regarding our work and can cause physical and mental fatigue
The remedy for burnout and compassion fatigue can include becoming more self aware to identify that these feelings are presenting themselves, and then working toward a self-care routine. Addressing burnout and compassion fatigue can also include, taking time during the day to step away or go outside and take a walk to breathe in some fresh air. It can mean taking time off to book a vacation to recharge. It could mean to focus on ways to maintain open communication about ways to enhance the workplace culture. Sometimes, in reality the answer could be finding a new job.
Practicing self-care reduces stress, replenishes our emotional capacity, promotes well-being and reduces burnout. It is also listed in the Code of Ethics for Nurses and Social Workers as a key component of ethical and professional excellence. This aligns with research demonstrating that proactive self-care enhances job satisfaction and professional longevity.
Feelings of compassion fatigue and burnout can sometimes overlap:
Feeling uninspired
Like you’re living life on autopilot
Desensitized or numb
Disconnected
Cynical or jaded
Decreased motivation
Emotionally drained
Overall feeling of dissatisfaction
Worn out
Depletion of energy
WHAT IS SELF-CARE
According to the Oxford Dictionary, self-care is the practice of taking an active role in protecting your own well-being and happiness, especially during periods of stress. This includes prioritize taking care of yourself first. We have to learn as professionals, how to include ourselves on our own to-do list.
When having negative reactions or feelings of doubt, always come back to your “why” and focus on why you started this career path in the first place. This can help to refocus our energy on why we continue helping others, turning feelings of helplessness into ones of purpose.
What is the “why” behind what you do? When you get clear on what you’re passionate about, you will have more energy and enthusiasm to fuel your goals and actions.
Through Mosaic Wellness Consulting, each workshop and workbook offers a variety of ways to re-connect with your “why” and develop ways to navigate these overwhelming emotions. Learn more about finding simple ways to incorporate self-care and stress management into your daily routine. Take a look at the workshops and toolkit tabs for more information.