If you are a caregiver, you know providing support can be both rewarding and exhausting. Caring for people can cause compassion fatigue by creating stress and trauma. It is important to know the signs of building compassion fatigue and steps you can take to combat it.

Signs of Compassion Fatigue:

• Loss of empathy
• Feelings of burnout and numbness
• Headaches, nausea or dizziness
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feeling detached or self-isolation
• Self-blame or dwelling on thoughts
• Increase, anger, irritability, sadness or anxiety

Tips to Combat Compassion Fatigue:

• Try to get some exercise or walk each day
• Schedule out breaks
• Stay connected with friends or loved ones
• Talk to a therapist or join a support group
• Make sleep a priority Continue doing activities you enjoy

Learn More:

Here are 2 great resources you can visit for more resources if you’re feeling compassion fatigue and need some guidance:
http://www.compassionfatigue.org/
http://www.healthycaregiving.com/