Sustainable Self-Care

Caring for others can be very rewarding and yet at the same time our own needs can be unmet.  Compassion fatigue can have an effect on the quality of the Caregivers lives and the lives of our Loved Ones around us.

The following is created with permission from Julie Interrante, MA. Julie is an adjunct professor in the Department of Psychology at Sacramento City College. Julie is a speaker, minister and writer.

Becoming aware of compassion fatigue is the first step in dealing with and preventing it.  If you sense you’re suffering from compassion fatigue, you likely are.

• Excessive blaming
• Bottled up emotion
• Isolation
• Complaining
• Substance abuse
• Chronic physical ailments (intestinal difficulties, headaches, recurrent infections)
• Mentally & physically tired
• Apathy, sadness, loss of interest, lack of motivation for pleasurable activities
• Difficulty concentrating
• Denial of problems
• Poor self care (hygiene, eating habits, lack of sleep)
• Recurring dreams, nightmares
• Addictive or compulsive behaviors (overeating, sexual acting out, overspending, gambling, excessive computer, phone or video gaming)

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you are probably suffering from compassion fatigue, and it’s time to call One Source – Empowering Caregivers. We can help.