Caring workers pay the price

An Edmonton social worker and compassion fatigue consultant, Devon Tayler, explains “People who provide care with compassion and empathy can experience compassion fatigue.” �

Compassion fatigue is a result of caring, and human beings care for each other.� The disadvantage about compassion fatigue is people do not recognize the cost of it. �

Experts say that compassion fatigue is common among nurses, people who care for the sick and dying, but also workers who deal with human suffering can become desensitized and detached.

Other professions where compassion fatigue is common is among social workers, nurses, and counsellors--chaplains, teachers, humane workers, midwives, personal support workers, lawyers, workers at women's shelters, journalists and even those answering the phones at social insurance organizations can also be affected, as well as many others.

Employees who care for an individual outside their workplace -- like an elderly parent or sick spouse can feel drained emotionally and physically.

However, compassion fatigue does not only affect caregivers, but the patients who receive care from the individuals with compassion fatigue.� Patients are dehumanized and viewed as case studies or clients, instead of human beings.� Eventually caregivers will increase their chances of making mistakes.

According to Francoise Mathieu, a counsellor and compassion fatigue specialist in Kingston, Ont., this isn't just a workplace problem. "Compassion fatigue impacts work...but it also impacts how we are in our families and in the community," she says.

Mathieu says the level of awareness about the issue has changed since she has started giving sessions on compassion fatigue in 2001, but many professionals are still not aware about the issue.

"To me, it's a huge issue that needs to be recognized as an occupational health and safety hazard in the workplace."

Addressing compassion fatigue has to happen at both the professional and personal levels. Mathieu advises people to create their own support system at work. "One thing I recommend is, pick two people you trust in the field and make them your support group. Create it for yourself --don't wait for your employer to create it."

It's also important to have a proper balance between work and home.�� Take up a relaxation technique like listening to a relaxation CD in the car when you go to work, or choosing to stop thinking about work at a certain point in your walk home, can work well.

Doing basic things in your life like eating well and getting enough sleep, these things can also help improve your health.

Cutting down the number of days you work to four days a week can also be beneficial, says Mathieu. When you factor in taxes and the cost of transportation, four days a week doesn't usually affect take-home pay much.

"The irony is that the best and most caring employees are the most at risk."

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Posted by: suhujitha on 2009-06-19 10:37:45

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