Compassion Fatigue and Self-Care

McGill Counselling ServiceEvelyn Rodinos

RESOLUTIONS

• Fitness• Weight Loss• Drinking/Smoking• Family/Friends• Debt Management• Something New

Medicine Wheel

SOCIAL

INTELLECTUAL

PHYSICAL

EMOTIONAL SELF SELF

Helper Responsibilities

• Listen• Support • Manage/Contain/Negotiate• Mobilize Resources

Helper Traits

• Empathic, Sensitive• Generous• Well-Meaning• Idealistic • Self-Sacrificing

Vulnerability

• Difficulty Acknowledging Needs• Same Risk Factors• Exposure• Questioning• Resonating

Compassion Fatigue

LOW• Energy• Enthusiasm• Motivation• Empathy• Performance

HIGH• Frustration• Cynicism• Negative Emotions• Conflict/Indifference

Perfectionists

• All things to all people• No boundaries• Sole Problem Fixer• Difficulty Delegating• Difficulty Asking for Help

Dilemma

SELFLESS vs. SELFISH

Checklist

•PHYSICAL:– Changes in appetite/sleep– Increased fatigue/pain– Decreased immune system

•COGNITIVE:– Difficulty making choices– Intrusive thoughts– Decreased processing speed

Checklist Con’t

• BEHAVIOR: – Decreased Energy– Decreased Work Performance – Difficulty Connecting– Conflicts/Withdrawal– Substance Use

Checklist Con’t

• EMOTIONAL:– Mood Swings– Anxiety– Irritability– Self-Blame– Numbness– Detachment

Boiling Frog “Syndrome”

Presentee-ism

“There in body but not in…”

Because:Too ExhaustedOverwhelmed/Frustrated AngryUnsupported Unexpected Stressors ($$$, health,

relationships)

Presentee-ism

• LEADS TO:– Poor Time Management – Errors in Judgment– Interpersonal Conflicts– Reduced Empathy– Masking Compassion Fatigue

Balanced Life

• Exercise• Nutrition • Sleep• Social Attachments• Down Time• Journaling• Boundary-Setting

Wellness Statement

• One way I know I am struggling is…

• One way I know I am living a balanced life is…

• One self-care strategy I will develop and incorporate into my life is…

Supportive Environment

• Appreciation, Recognition• Professional Support/Supervision• Training• Open Communication• Peer Support

Peer Support

• Venting• Social Attachment• Provides Resources• Brainstorming Options• Normalizes Stressors