DO you feel constant pessimism and numbness about your personal life?
You could be suffering from compassion fatigue – the feeling of not having more empathy to give.
GettyCompassion fatigue is the feeling of not having more empathy to give[/caption]
The psychological condition occurs after being regularly exposed to stress.
Experts claim the constant experience of listening to or dealing with other people’s traumatic situations can leave you with “second-hand shock”.
This means taking on the suffering of others, gradually lessening compassion over time due to repeated demands.
Psychotherapist Jade Thomas, founder of Luxe Psychology Practice, said: “Showing constant compassion and empathy can prove to be physically and emotionally costly.
“This consistent exposure to distress can negatively impact individual’s mental health and well-being.”
Some of the symptoms include being unable to complete daily tasks and feeling overwhelmed, mental health experts say.
Research from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy found people suffering compassion fatigue have severe mood swings and depression.
The consequences can also be physical – including fatigue, insomnia, lack of appetite and headaches.
The symptoms may also impact your ability to socialise as you can distance yourself from loved ones, experts say.
You should seek help if you experience any of the following:
Helplessness and powerlessness Feeling detached, numb and emotionally disconnected Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy Inability to complete daily tasks/loss of productivityIntrusive thoughtsFeeling overwhelmedMood swingsDepressionAnxiety JumpinessFeeling on edge or trappedFatigueInsomnia or other sleep disturbances like nightmares Neglect of self-care Withdrawal or social isolationLack of appetiteHeadachesInability to separate professional and personal lifeSubstance use as self-medication
Psychologists claim you are more likely to develop the condition if you are in a role where you help others in need.
This means those working in emotionally-intense fields such as care homes, hospitals and mental health units are at higher risk.
Experts advise people seek emotional support and practice self-care.
Those with compassion fatigue are advised to have healthy relationships outside their workplace for emotional relief.
Ms Thomas said: “A saying that comes to mind is you, ‘You can’t pour from an empty cup’.
“You need to ensure you are taking care of yourself first before helping others.
“Set emotional boundaries with yourself. This might include practising saying ‘no’, asking for space, asking for help, not over committing yourself and delegating tasks where necessary.”