Compassion fatigue is the kind of stress one gets from trying to deal with the tramas of others. This painful state is a byproduct of an important role humans play in each other’s lives: Being compassionate and helpful. Compassion is fantastic, but too much emotional energy invested into too much trauma can be hard on anyone. Although this has usually been associated with therapists and medical workers, the past year has given the public loads of unusual stress, and lots of people are dealing with compassion fatigue. Here are some signs it’s affecting you, and how to deal with it.
1. Depersonalization
Characterized by a lack of familiarity with one’s own surroundings, depersonalization often means you feel like you’re in a dream and traumatic events haven’t actually occurred. Many people report feeling this after a loss of connection to people. If you’re feeling disconnected due to the pandemic, here are some of the best deals on laptops to keep you chatting digitally in no time!
2. Always being tired, physically and emotionally
This can have many causes, but it often has to do with the people you’re around. It could be lack of people (see https://spectrumhealthcare.com/services/seniors-for-seniors/live-in-companions/) or it could be the wrong type of people. Figuring out who you’re around and how they can be draining is crucial towards curing fatigue. Maybe the people you’re with are always hateful, sad, and negative. Maybe they’re just too energetic and ambitious, which can be tiring. How are they acting and treating you? How is it affecting your energy levels?
3. Lack of meaning
For a great deal of people, the mundane, repetitive tasks of every day can eat away at our spirits, and overall will to live and find meaning in life. Afterall, how can one find meaning in something that seems to be repeating with no end in sight? The goal here is to find an end: A reward. Treat yourself to an experience worth living life for. This doesn’t have to be some party or crazy trip. Rather, you could just go down to your favorite street taco stand, and have some wine that pairs with tacos. Or you could pursue a hobby (even if it’s not that productive, like watching movies!) The sky’s the limit as long as you find meaning.
4. Poor job satisfaction
Tell me this isn’t a familiar story: Monday morning rolls around and this week is going to be different. You’re going to be different. You’re going to work hard with a smile on your face all week. You’re going to put in the extra effort. But then, a day or two of work rolls by and you can’t wait for Friday. You’re already saying TGIF on a Wednesday! No wonder your job is so unsatisfying, it’s too much! While this may be indicative of a bigger solution, like a career change, it’s important to give yourself breaks, be kind to yourself, and ask “What am I doing that feels like work is so draining?”
5. Insomnia
A lot of times, being cooped up for too long in the wrong space with too many of the same people/emotions, makes it hard to sleep at night. Your body is having trouble regulating because it’s confused about day and night. When your surroundings never change, and your body is in a constant state of rest, this makes sense. One of the easiest ways to start feeling better, and falling asleep easier, is regular exercise.
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