Compassion Fatigue

Compassion Fatigue

Introduction

Compassion fatigue is considered as a very common condition at the work place. There are a number of research base articles that have described the consequences and risks of compassion fatigue at workplace. It has been evaluated that compassion fatigue is also known as secondary traumatic stress. There are numerous research articles that have described different definitions of compassion fatigue (Figley, 2013). According to a study, compassion fatigue can be defined as the condition that is characterized by lessening of compassion overtime. It is also a fact that the factor of compassion fatigue is extremely high among those professionals who work close with trauma victims.

Compassion fatigue was initially identified by a nursing professional by the year 1950. Therefore, it can be said that compassion fatigue is extremely common among psychologists, nurses, and first responders. Hopelessness, impaired pleasures, stress, sleeplessness, and negative attitude are certain common symptoms of compassion fatigue. Professionals' burnout is another very common condition that is strongly associated with compassion fatigue.

Discussion

Warning Signs

There are a number of concepts that are strongly associated with compassion fatigue. There are a significant number of research articles that have proved the association between concepts and warning signs. The warning signs can be defined as the factors that can lead the individual towards the particular condition. Among unlimited concepts, the most important concept of compassion fatigue is regarding excessive passion. It has been evaluated that excessive passion in an individual can lead him towards compassion fatigue. It is a fact that many individuals work excessively in their organizations for better career, growth, and development (Yoder, 2010). However, this excessive passion can increase the extent of compassion fatigue within an individual. Similarly, limited growth or ignorance from the management will surely develop negative behaviors of the individuals. Therefore, it can be said that hopelessness, exhaustion, and negative attitudes are three warning signs for the concept of excessive passion.

Another concept for compassion fatigue is regarding overload of the work. Using of force for excessive working within workplace is another very important concept of compassion fatigue. It has been evaluated that excessive working or work overload can lead the worker towards compassion fatigue. This concept is extremely common in the clinical settings. Nurses and other health care professionals work excessively for the delivery of best possible health care. Sleeplessness and irritability with others are two important warning signs for compassion fatigue (Yoder, 2010). These two warning signs can show the presence of compassion fatigue in an individual.

The third important concept of compassion fatigue is regarding failure within professional working. Failure within professional life is considered as a part of working; however, this factor can lead the individual towards serious complications. Anger, impaired self confidence, feeling of guilt, loss of objectivity, and disillusionment are some extremely common warning signs for compassion fatigue (Potter, et al, 2010). All of these warning sign can develop serious complications within an individual. Work related stress and anxiety is another very common sign for this concept.

Another very important concept of compassion fatigue ...