Do You Have Compassion Fatigue?

Have you ever heard of compassion fatigue? Perhaps you are suffering from it. To find out about compassion fatigue, please check out this excellent article. It was originally written for physicians, but many of the issues are ones that Direct Care Workers face as well.

To determine if you suffer from compassion fatigue, answer "yes" or "no" to the questions below:

Personal concerns commonly intrude on my professional role.

• Yes
• No

My colleagues and manager seem to lack understanding.

• Yes
• No

I find even small changes enormously draining.

• Yes
• No

I can't seem to recover quickly after association with trauma, illness or death.

• Yes
• No

Association with trauma, illness or death affects me very deeply.

• Yes
• No

My clients' stress affects me deeply.

• Yes
• No

I have lost my sense of hopefulness.

• Yes
• No

I feel vulnerable all the time.

• Yes
• No
  

I feel overwhelmed by unfinished personal business.

• Yes
• No

Answering "yes" to four or more questions may indicate that you're suffering from compassion fatigue. [This instrument, was modified from an instrument developed by the American Family Physician] If you answered "yes" to four or more questions, consider taking the test to your manager, health care professional or a psychologist for further help.