Cross Country Healthcare and leadership from Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing recently cohosted a webinar addressing the rising incidence of compassion fatigue in the age of COVID-19. 

<p>Cross Country Healthcare and leadership from Florida Atlantic University&rsquo;s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing recently cohosted a webinar addressing the rising incidence of compassion fatigue in the age of COVID-19. The webinar focused on recognizing the signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue in yourself and others, as well as ways you can combat the condition. Before we can discuss the signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue, we must first define it.</p>

<h2>What is Compassion Fatigue?</h2>

<p>According to the <a href="https://compassionfatigue.org/">Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project</a>, compassion fatigue is not a disease, but rather a set of symptoms, and is related to secondary traumatic stress, PTSD, emphatic distress and vicarious trauma. Surviving a dysfunctional childhood with elements such as abuse or alcoholism can make one more predisposed to the condition, as these environments often teach children to put the needs of others before their own. Healthcare providers &ndash; especially those who care for very sick or dying patients -- have long been at risk for compassion fatigue. Recently, the set of symptoms defined as compassion fatigue has been recognized in nurses and other caregivers with COVID-19 patients.</p>

<h2>What Are the Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue?</h2>

<p>The symptoms of compassion fatigue are elevated displays of stress, most recently brought on by chronic exposure to the pain and suffering of COVID-19 patients. Common symptoms you might recognize in yourself or a fellow COVID-19 caregiver include the following:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Blames excessively</li>
	<li>Bottles up emotions</li>
	<li>Isolates from others</li>
	<li>Voices excessive complaints about administrative functions</li>
	<li>Employs substance abuse to self-medicate</li>
	<li>Ignores self-care (i.e., hygiene, appearance)</li>
	<li>Suffers from chronic ailments such as gastrointestinal problems and recurrent colds</li>
	<li>Inability to enjoy once pleasurable activities</li>
	<li>Feels apathetic, sad</li>
	<li>Employs denial as a means of self-preservation</li>
	<li>Experiences recurring nightmares and flashbacks</li>
</ul> 

<h2>How Can COVID-19 Caregivers Combat Compassion Fatigue?</h2>

<p>The first step in addressing the symptoms of compassion fatigue is simply recognizing that you have them. This realization alone can sometimes bring a sense of relief, as the symptoms can often be very disruptive and painful, both at home and at work. Once you realize you are suffering from compassion fatigue, the treatment consists of a consistent and deliberate self-care routine. That can consist of any combination of as many of the following as possible:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Always be kind to yourself</li>
	<li>Educate yourself about compassion fatigue signs and symptoms, as well as prevention methods</li>
	<li>Establish a health work-life balance</li>
	<li>Develop hobbies that have nothing to do with work</li>
	<li>Give meditation a try to enjoy deep relaxation</li>
	<li>A healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables</li>
	<li>Daily exercise, even if it&rsquo;s just a walk at a nearby park</li>
	<li>Get plenty of restful sleep every night</li>
	<li>Talking about your feelings with a mental health professional, if necessary</li>
</ul>

<p>
For more of our webinar discussion, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KtYU-zWl68&amp;t=36s" target="_blank" title="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ktyu-zwl68&amp;t=36s">click here</a> to listen to the recording for a comprehensive summarization of the live event.Please also be sure to join us for our next webinar in this ongoing series: Caring for Self: Nurturing Wholeness and Well-Being, scheduled for June 18 at 2:00 p.m. ET. <a href="https://crosscountry.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ahwJmHn6TOGvl9ah84CMbg">Click here</a> to preregister.</p>


Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue in COVID-19 Care Environments