Whether you care for a family member, friend, or you’re a professional caregiver for multiple people, you’ve probably heard of (or experienced) burnout before. Caring for others, no matter how rewarding it is, can be exhausting at times, especially when you aren’t able to take care of yourself the way you should.
There’s another problem caregivers can sometimes experience that goes beyond burnout. It can actually cause big problems to your mental and physical health if it goes unchecked and unmanaged—compassion fatigue.
Whether you’ve heard of compassion fatigue or not, it’s important to note that it’s not the same thing as caregiver burnout.
Understanding some characteristics of both and how to get a handle on them can help you deal with any frustrations you might be feeling while putting your own well-being at the top of your priority list.
So, what’s the difference between caregiver burnout and compassion fatigue, and how can you manage the symptoms of both?
What is Caregiver Burnout?
If you’ve ever felt physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted from the work you do each day, you’ve experienced caregiver burnout.
It’s not uncommon for caregivers to experience a lot of stress and frustration. It might even impact parts of your routine, including how much sleep you get, or what/when you eat. Caregiver burnout can trigger symptoms of depression and/or anxiety and can leave you feeling sad and helpless.
The good news? It’s usually easy to manage as long as you recognize the symptoms, practice self-care, and get the support you need.
What is Compassion Fatigue?
It’s easy to see the word “fatigue” and think it means the same thing as burnout. But, compassion fatigue is a type of secondary traumatic stress disorder.
If you’re taking care of someone you love, or you’ve been a caregiver for the same person for a long time, you’ve undoubtedly felt empathy for that individual. But, after weeks, months, or even years of giving your all, frustration can start to build up. If you start to experience feelings of resentment or guilt, especially toward your patient, it’s a sign of compassion fatigue.
Those who experience high levels of compassion fatigue might lose their empathy toward their patient(s) completely. If you feel indifferent to your patient and their needs, you should consider it a huge red flag.
Some of the most common signs of compassion fatigue include
Anxiety
Uncharacteristic anger
Feeling overwhelmed
Cynicism
Hopelessness
Some symptoms of compassion fatigue and caregiver burnout can overlap. Both tend to cause sleeping issues, can contribute to digestive problems, and can leave you feeling exhausted. But, compassion fatigue can be far more dangerous for you and your patients, since it’s a psychologically rooted issue.
What Can You Do?
You can manage both caregiver burnout and compassion fatigue in similar ways. The best thing to do is practice self-care.
Make yourself and your well-being a top priority. Remind yourself that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Scheduling time to relax each day, taking more days off, and utilizing stress-reduction techniques can make a big difference. Things like mindfulness, meditation, and daily exercise are all options to boost your relaxation.
If you’re really struggling with either of these problems, consider reaching out for support. There are caregiver groups across the country that meet regularly to discuss their experiences and emotions. Knowing you’re not alone in the way you feel is important. Even if you only connect with groups online, it can have a positive impact.
Most importantly, be sure to recognize the signs if you feel like something is off. Whether you’re experiencing caregiver burnout or compassion fatigue, you don’t have to feel this way forever. You can find joy and fulfillment in your work, and prioritize yourself at the same time.
If you need support with depression or anxiety symptoms related to caring for others, reach out to me to learn how I can help you.