Compassion Fatigue

Presented by Melissa Danan, LMSWCenter Mental Health ConsultantFlint/Genesee Job Corps Center

Information provided in this webinar was adapted from the Compassion Fatigue: Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder, Burnout, Vicarious Trauma Participant Workbook, May, 2010 created by the National Child Welfare Resource Center for Adoption in collaboration with Spaulding for Children in Southfield, Michigan and Michigan State University School of Social Work. State child welfare agencies have been given permission to copy this curriculum for training of child welfare staff.

Learning Objectives

1. Define and indentify at least three compassion fatigue symptoms.

2. Articulate the possible precipitants to developing Compassion Fatigue.

3. Identify and assess Compassion Fatigue symptoms in self as well as in co-workers.

4. Practice two tools to combat Compassion Fatigue.

Compassion Fatigue Defined

Compassion Fatigue, also referred to as Vicarious Trauma, is an emotional, physical, and spiritual response experienced when working with people that have experienced trauma.

Why Job Corps Staff are Especially Vulnerable to Compassion Fatigue

1. Trainee population2. Fast paced environment3. Limited resources4. Our nature is to help5. Unique workplace

Who is Affected?

Those in the care-giving professions, e.g., doctors, social workers, nurses, clergymen, and child welfare practitioners. However, it is not limited to those in these professions.

Observable Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue in Job Corps Staff

Biological/Physical

Psychological

Social

Compassion Fatigue Test

Consider the following characteristics about your current situation. Click the number of your best response :1 = Rarely/Never2 = At Times3 = Not sure4 = Often5 = Very Often

Circle Items:

• 1 - 8

• 10 - 13

• 17 - 26

• and number 29

Results for Compassion Fatigue

• 26 or less is extremely low risk• 27-30 is low risk• 31-35 is moderate risk• 36-40 is high risk• 41 or greater is extremely high risk

Results for Burnout

• 19 or less is extremely low risk• 20-24 is low risk• 25-29 is moderate risk• 30-42 is high risk• 43 or greater is extremely high risk

“There are frequently many, many times when we think that evil is on the rampage, that evil seems to be going to have the last word. It doesn’t…Isn’t that exhilarating?...It may take a long time, but goodness in the end is vindicated.”

Desmond TutuSouth African Archbishop, present day

How to Combat Compassion Fatigue

• Micromanage your health– Sleep– Food– Social life– Exercise– Spiritual fulfillment– Time alone– Balance

What you can do as a Wellness Worker

1. Verbalize your observations2. Organize support3. Suggest self care or referral4. Change settings5. Model good coping 6. Balance

What Not to Do When Experiencing Compassion Fatigue

• Drink or use drugs• Avoid making major decisions• Avoid stating the obvious or complaining• Taking on more work• Dismissing your feelings

Gentry, E. (2002). “Compassion Fatigue: A Crucible of Transformation.” Journal of Trauma Practice, 1(3/4), 37-61.

Figley, C. (1995) Compassion Fatigue: coping with secondary traumatic stress disorder in those who treat the traumatized. New York: Brunner/Mazel.

Figley, C. (1988). Compassion Fatigue as secondary stress disorder: An overview. New York: Brunner/Mazel.

National Child Welfare Resource Center for Adoption in Collaboration with Spaulding Center for Children. (2007) Compassion Fatigue: Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder, Burnout, Vicarious Trauma. Michigan: National Child Welfare Resource Center for Adoption At Spaulding for Children.

Thank you!