There is a cost to caring.
Surprising words, I know. Words we don’t often say to each other or acknowledge for ourselves. And yet, we have chosen careers that require us to care- care for others in the face of trauma and loss, care for others at the most difficult times of their lives.
This work is an honour, a privilege. It is beautiful witnessing people tackle the hard stuff. It is beautiful helping them. Until it isn’t. Until it’s draining, exhausting and scary. Until our compassion becomes depleted and we are distancing ourselves from our families, and friends. Until we can’t sleep because of intrusive images, until we look at a depression or anxiety checklist and see ourselves. And then this work is terrifying.
It is difficult to go from being the helper to the person in need of help. However, just as we coach others to reach out and ask for help so should we. With help we can understand our symptoms and develop a coping plan. We can learn how to replenish our compassion and find joy in our work and our lives.
To learn more about how your agency or organization can access training on this subject click here.
To learn more about how you can access support for yourself on this subject click here.
Whether you are already struggling with compassion fatigue or have never experienced it- this training can be a valuable component to your self care plan and to add to your professional tool box.