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5 signs of Compassion Fatigue (and how to fix it)

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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. 

Reasons you may need to use Christian counseling

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As a general rule, both secular counseling and Christian counseling share the same desire and goal of helping people in overcoming their real life issues, find joy in life and become well-adjusted and healthy individuals, both emotionally and mentally. Though their key goals are the same, they are distinct in a different way. Christian counseling usually rises to a different dimension, as Biblical counseling provides solutions which are based upon biblical beliefs.

Counseling in general provides help to those who are going through any types of issues in life, whether problems in a marriage, in friendships, or graver matters like depression, panic and anxiety. Christian counseling is no different, but as noted above, a Christian therapist uses the Bible as a guide in therapy sessions. Naturally, this form of therapy can be appealing to many Christians. Additionally, several therapy companies have taken notice and have opened up a service specifically for religious Christians. Christian counseling companies, which are reviewed on sites like e-counseling.com, now offer therapy through the lens of the Bible. They work with hundreds of Christian counselors, which means many people are in fact using these types of services.

The thing is, it seems that even though Christians are using services like these, there are still a majority of people who won’t use it. This is likely because therapy is complex. Religion, however, is *viewed* as not so complex. The logic goes like this: if I have religion in my life, why do I need therapy? This “logic” couldn’t be further from the truth. We are all humans and we all deal with issues in life. Almost everyone can use therapy, healthy people included. Here are several reasons why you may need counseling, even if you’re a religious Christian.

#1: If you don’t find enough time for things

Is time management taking a toll on your day-to-day activities? If you answered yes, you can seek the help of a Biblical or a Christian counselor who can let you learn time management skills by utilizing principles which are spoken by God. It is only when you share a proper relation with Jesus that you can also start managing your time.

#2: If you feel out of control

You can’t deny or forget the fact that your family/children were created by God, and in case you feel you’re not able to enjoy whatever He has given you, you should seek the help of Christian counseling to know how you can raise children who grow up to be family-centred. Your teen at home might be in touch with other non-Christian peers, which can lead to a lot of unethical behavior. This is when Biblical counseling can help.

#3: If you’ve been a victim of abuse

Our world is full of evil and hatred and in case you’re a victim of some violent crime like sexual or physical abuse, besides immediately calling the authorities, you should also seek the help of Christian counseling. Once you get in touch with the proper authorities, you can begin with the recovery process which is possible through Biblical counseling.

#4: If you find it tough to control your anger

Anger, which is destructive and intense, leads to illness, broken relationships and even to death. You have to learn how to deal with things which make you angry and which is the best way of resolving the issue. Seeking the help of the Bible is one of the best places to learn anger management. A counselor can help you identify the issues which can cause you to be angry. Anger is acceptable as long as you’re not too angry to commit sins.

So, if you’re going through any of the above mentioned situations in your life, you should undoubtedly find a Christian counselor who can help you handle them with poise and grace.