In her very first intake interview as a^{2nd-track consultant}, Rosa Govers' candidate expressed suicidal tendencies. "I was horrified and immediately called my supervisor. She helped me determine the seriousness of this statement and indicated where I could refer the candidate. Now, over a year later, I and my colleagues are still regularly confronted with serious statements, human suffering and many requests for help. The difference? I don't flinch anymore. I even notice that empathy sometimes takes energy out of me." Is this recognizable? If so, you may be suffering from compassion fatigue.

What is compassion fatigue?

Charles Figley, American psychologist, defined compassion as follows: "A deep empathy for a suffering person, accompanied by a strong desire to relieve that suffering." Being overly empathically involved when receiving traumatic information can lead to compassion fatigue (Singh et al., 2020). The smaller symptoms of compassion fatigue manifest themselves, for example, in losing your temper more quickly, becoming irritable or distracted in conversations with clients, co-workers or loved ones or constantly questioning the seriousness of their story. In a severe form of compassion fatigue, it can even lead to burnout. It is important to notice and acknowledge these signs in yourself.

Self-insight & awareness

Having self-insight and performing self-reflection on your conversations with others is very important in recognizing - and dealing with - compassion fatigue. Look for what helps you deal with the stories and events at work. What gives you relaxation? Who can you share your stories with? When do you schedule these moments for yourself? Being able to provide empathy and guidance for others starts with taking good care of yourself.

Distance

We all know that a healthy work-life balance is crucial. Being able to distance yourself from others and their issues in time and sufficiently is an important point in this. Some practical exercises in this may include:

• A regular ritual with which to end your day.
• Find plenty of distractions. Especially after a workday in which you have talked to many absentee employees. Afterwards, go do something fun and consciously reflect on the beautiful, positive things around you.
• Get out of your head and into your body by moving. Whether it is running, yoga or riding your bike to run errands; movement allows you to process information and create peace in your mind.

Social support

It was briefly mentioned a moment ago; to whom can you share your stories? Make sure you can regularly talk about your work and any intense conversations you have. This can be within your family or social circle, but of course also with your colleagues. For example, organize regular intervision in which the conversations you have and how you deal with them can be discussed in a safe, open manner.

Proud

Rosa: "In working with absentee clients/employees, you regularly run into various obstacles. Make sure you also dwell on the trajectories that go well; the people who show their gratitude and the successes you achieve. Did that client who has been sitting at home for months go for a walk around the block today? Then be proud of yourself. Dwell on the small moments of success and enjoy them.

In this, you can also try to shift the focus; from getting quick results (recovery or reintegration) to the work itself: being proud of the support you provided someone today."

Find what energizes you

Do you still get energy from your work, or do you come home worn out every day? Is it compassion fatigue or are you not energized by what you do? Find out what your energy givers and drainers are with the energy exercise from Puls.