Coping with Compassion Fatigue

The newest Exchange Reflections deals with the timely and important issue of compassion fatigue, which is affecting more and more early educators. In her article, “Navigating Compassion Fatigue with Compassion,” Shoshanah Findling writes: “If you are reading this, you are either likely an educator, caregiver, clinical professional or child protective agency caseworker who spends your day helping others. As such, you know that your work requires you to open your heart and mind to others.

Unfortunately, empathy is something that can also make you vulnerable to becoming fatigued. Compassion fatigue can also arise from direct exposure to traumatic events, which is common among first responders, or secondary exposure, most common among child protective caseworkers, educators or social workers. The anxiety and preoccupation with the suffering of those being helped can be traumatizing for the helper.”

Findling urges educators and administrators to stay aware of the possibility of compassion fatigue. The Exchange Reflections offers ideas and potential action steps to discuss.

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