Helping You, Help Others Introduce self Express gratitude Dr. Jodi Mullen, PhD, LMHC, RPT-S Counseling & Psychological Services SUNY Oswego Integrative Counseling Services, PLLC

It’s in your cells, soul, wiring, upbringing, culture… You have to help: It’s in your cells, soul, wiring, upbringing, culture… Stand up if you HAVE TO HELP

Not just the wish, but also the you have to DO something

That’s Me I sometimes feel bad for my consumers. I never think about consumers outside of work. I am a good listener and empathizer. I am problem-solver.

Your Superpower & Fatal Flaw When helpers feel helpless to help. When helpers are helpless to help. When helpers don’t see that they ARE helping. When helpers cannot see that they need help. When helpers don’t or won’t ask for help for themselves. The result> compassion fatigue

Compassion Fatigue The cumulative transformative effect on the helper of working with survivors of traumatic life events, both positive and negative.

What is compassion fatigue? A state of detachment and isolation when working with people in distress A sudden stress response that emerges without warning Referred to as the emotional “cost of caring” for those in emotional and/or physical pain A combination of burnout and secondary traumatic stress Stamm’s (2010) Professional Quality of Life Model

The Role of Empathy

What is Compassion Fatigue

Compassion fatigue is unique to the helping professions Who experiences it? Compassion fatigue is unique to the helping professions

What does Compassion fatigue Look and FEEL like… Poor Self-Care Nightmares Flashbacks Apathy Inability to complete tasks Preoccupation Isolation Blaming Absenteeism

Effects Sense of helpless, isolation, and confusion May lead to depression and stress-related illnesses Hinder empathy and cause extreme tension Reduces ability to bear the suffering of others May result in diminished consumer care, reduced job satisfaction, and job turnover

Overcoming Compassion Fatigue Preventing and Overcoming Compassion Fatigue Plan Play Clarify your personal boundaries. What works ; what doesn't. A policy. Express your needs verbally Take positive action to change your environment Utilize Resources : http://www.compassionfatigue.org

Overcoming Compassion Fatigue Personal Self-Care Balance Sleep Nutrition Body Work Relaxation Contact with Nature Creative Expression Self-Awareness Spiritual Health Social Support

Do’s and don’ts Do: Find someone to talk to Understand that the pain you feel is normal Exercising (MOVE) and eating properly Get enough sleep Take some time off Develop interests outside of your helping role Identify what's important to you Don't: Blame others Fill Voids: Look for a new job, buy a new car… Fall into the habit of complaining with your colleagues Work harder and longer Self-medicate Neglect your own needs and interests

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