1. Compassion Fatigue & Burnout What is it and how can I prevent it?
Introduce self
Gabrielle Villafuerte, LMSW

2. Overview Identify compassion fatigue and burnout
Understand their similarities and differences
Identify symptoms and risk factors of compassion fatigue and burnout
Identify a plan to address active compassion fatigue and burnout
Develop and prevention plan/self- care plan

3. Burnout
A state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion caused by long-term involvement in emotionally demanding situations.
10 Occupations with high burnout rates
Physicians
Nurses
Social Workers
Teachers
School Principals
Attorneys
Police officers
Public accounting
Fast food (low pay and monotonous tasks)
Retail
Economic conditions, work environment, nature of the work, elevated stress, work long hours, become exhausted, feel unappreciated or devalued.

4. Burnout may thrive in the workplace if…
Overworked
Understaffed
Mismatched skill sets
Chronic Budget Demands
If you no longer feel:
If you feel:
Challenged
Bored
Enjoyment
Skills are mismatched
Engaged
Appreciated

5. Compassion Fatigue is a type of Burnout
Consequences of stress due to continually caring for and helping traumatized/suffering people
Caring too much for too long
This is a natural consequence and byproduct
What makes us so susceptible?
Empathy
The intellectual identification with or vicarious experiencing of the feelings, thoughts or attitudes of others
Empathy vs Sympathy

6. Empathy vs Sympathy

7. Empathy is not bad! Empathy is necessary to do our jobs
We must understand it is a double edged sword
Although it helps us better connect and help our clients, it can still impact us deeply.
By understanding this, we can begin to create healthy boundaries.

8. Do I love my job?
Yes- compassion fatigue
No- burn out

9. The downfall I can fix this problem.
I am responsible for all outcomes.
If I care enough, everything will be okay.
People will appreciate everything I do for them.
I will have enough resources (time, money, skills, training).
I know what I am getting into.
I can do it alone.
Unhealthy/unsuccessful/unstable people mean I am not doing enough.

10. Signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue
Emotional indicators
Personal Indicators
Work Indicators
Physical Indicators

11. Emotional Anger, irritability Blaming others for your problems
Sadness, depression, prolonged grief
Anxiety
Feeling numb, disconnected

12. Personal Isolation Cynical, pessimistic, critical
Mood swings, irritable with others
Secretive self-medicating (drugs, alcohol, food, sex, etc)
Memory, concentration problems
Self-entitlement

13. Physical Headaches, stomach aches, dizziness
Heart palpitations, shortness of breath, feeling panicky
Flu or cold-like symptoms
Lethargic, exhaustion (mental and physical)
Sleep problems, nightmares

14. Work Avoiding certain clients Missed appointments Tardiness
No typical motivation
Workaholism
Demoralized, questions one’s competence
Feeling unappreciated and under resources

15. The Phases of Compassion Fatigue
The Zealot Phase
Committed, involved, available
Solving problems/ making a difference
Willing to go the extra mile
Lots of enthusiasm
Volunteers without being asked

16. The Phases of Compassion Fatigue Cont.
The Irritability Phase
Cut corners
Avoid others
Mock others
Denigrate those you lead and serve
Inappropriate use of humor
Oversights, mistakes and lapses of concentration
Distance self from friends and co-workers

17. The Phases of Compassion Fatigue Cont.
The Withdrawal Phase
People become irritants rather than those in need
Complain about work and personal life
Tired
No longer want to talk about what you do
Neglect family, co-workers, clients and self
Avoid pain and sadness with other distractions
Resent job
Anger and jealousy towards other who seem successful and fulfilled

18. The Phases of Compassion Fatigue Cont.
The Zombie Phase
Hopelessness to rage
Lack of empathy
Others appear incompetent and ignorant
No patience
No sense of humor
No time for fun

19. Treatment and healing Do Don’t Take time off from work Self-reflection
Talk to someone
Begin healthy habits
Rest
Find interests outside of work
Identify what is important to you
Don’t
Blame others
Complain to colleagues
Work harder and longer
Self-medicate
Neglect own needs and interests
Make big decisions

20. Prevention Self Care For you, by you
Identifying own needs and fulfilling them
Activities that nurture you
Treat yourself as kindly as you treat others

21. Self Care Tips Inventory Self-care ideas Delegate WorkHome
Say “no” or “yes” more
Trauma input
Secondary trauma
Join supervision or support group

22. Put it into action We will now create a self-care plan Physical
Intellectual
Financial
Environment
Spiritual
Social
Occupational
Emotional
TREAT YO' SELF!
Physical (nutrition, physical activity, sleep, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, medication safety, preventative meds)
Intellectual (personal interests, education, brain exercises, conversation)
Financial (work, checking/savings account, debt, retirement/other accounts, budgeting)
Environmental- green living, change of scenery, home and work environment
Spiritual- beliefs, involvement, time
Social- community, new people, social time
Occupational- work relationships, balance, accomplishment
Emotional- Feelings/emotions, self-care, stress

23. Treat Yo’ Self!