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What is compassion fatigue and who does it affect? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

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  SPEAKER_00: What is compassion fatigue and who does it affect?
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  SPEAKER_00: Compassion fatigue is a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion that can develop after repeatedly caring or helping people who are suffering, traumatized or in crisis.
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  SPEAKER_00: It is sometimes called the cost of caring.
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  SPEAKER_00: It is common among healthcare workers, therapists, first responders, caregivers, teachers, social workers and even family members caring for someone with chronic illness.
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  SPEAKER_00: Unlike tiredness, chronic fatigue can make it harder to empathize with others even if you genuinely want to help.
• 0:57
  SPEAKER_00: Some common signs include feeling emotionally drained or numb, difficulty concentrating, feeling detached from others, trouble sleeping or feeling overwhelmed.
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  SPEAKER_00: Compassion fatigue and burnout can overlap, but they are different.
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  SPEAKER_00: Compassion fatigue is often triggered by exposure to others' trauma or suffering and can develop quickly, whereas burnout usually results from chronic workplace stress and excessive workload and tends to build gradually.
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  SPEAKER_00: Chronic fatigue is not a sign that you're uncaring.
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  SPEAKER_00: It often affects people who are deeply compassionate and have spent a long time supporting others without enough opportunity to recover.
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  SPEAKER_00: If you are thinking of harming yourself or feel unsafe, please call your local emergency number or crisis line.