Compassion Fatigue
Last week during a faculty meeting at my University the subject of emotional wellness was discussed. During the meeting compassion fatigue was discussed in detail and was very helpful especially during these change of life circumstances that all of us are enduring due to the COVAID-19 pandemic.
What is compassion fatigue? It is emotional stress relating to helping other people who are experiencing tragedy of traumatic events.
In the last month we have watched multitudes of healthcare workers and first responders sacrifice their safety and lives while they have witnessed firsthand many they care for pass away. In addition to that there is the death of loved ones lost to this disease, where families are dealing with husbands, fathers, mothers, children who are no longer there. We have also experienced the greatest job and financial loss in history. The empty churches where pastors are trying to minister to their beloved have been replaced by streaming videos, texts, email messages and zoom calls almost seems like a normal practice now. And then on top of all of this, the recent tornado devastations where loss has been astronomical and disaster teams and emergency crews have had to rush to the areas affected. We have all lost the sense of normalcy in our daily lives. It feels like we just need to take a breath.
What are some of the results? Emotional exhaustion and burnout will be very evident in the coming weeks as well as isolation, bottled up emotions, depersonalization, poor job satisfaction, irritability, heightened anxiety along with a myriad of other side effects.
In my further research I have realized that there are necessary steps to take to prevent experiencing this difficult time….
Ask yourself the question, what is going on with me and in me?
Get still and be mindful of your current situation.
Openly talk about your feelings with a trusted friend or friends (be transparent and vulnerable allowing others to speak into your life as they observe you.)
Don’t self-judge or judgmental of the physical & emotional responsibility someone else might be carrying.
As a Christ follower, my total trust is in God. He Will see us through, and His grace is enough. He never promised that we would not experience hard times, but He did promise that He would be with us and walk with us.
So, take a breath now and realize that God has us in the palm of His Hand.
Betty and I have prayed and will continue to pray, every day, during these difficult times of suffering and tragedy.
Hope is greater than fear…….