Compassion Fatigue

Hey ALL!

I promised I would write about the good, the bad, and the ugly! Well- here is some of the things people don’t talk about much! There is a total difference between teacher’s being burned out and teachers suffering from compassion fatigue! (It’s a real thing!!! I thought I was the only one suffering this year) Teaching at a school with very low SES, that is located in a community that has high poverty, I often find myself overburdened and under-resourced to help my students (and their families) who are experiencing routine and extreme trauma. it is prevalent for teachers to go through compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue develops when someone cares “too much” for another who has experienced and shared traumatic events. Now- this is not to say teacher burnout is not a real thing- because TRUST ME- it is! But compassion fatigue is a unique form of burnout, it’s described as “the cost of caring” for others’ in emotional pain. If left unnoticed, this fatigue can turn into full-blown burnout.

According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, more than 10 million children each year in the United States experience traumatic events in their lives. Being aware of the symptoms can help you respond to compassion fatigue. Some symptoms are: anger, cynicism, anxiousness, avoidance, chronic exhaustion, loss of creativity, isolation, fear, guilt, poor self care, hopelessness, and sleeplessness.

As we continuously discover the traumatic situations our students struggle with, the pressures, demands, and expectations of our jobs—including tight schedules, expectations, lack of feedback or support for some teachers—adds to our psychological loads. Without even realizing it, we start feeling resentful rather than grateful, detached rather than engaged, and exhausted rather than content. Usually, we are so immersed in all we do and these traumatic situations to really realize what is causing these feelings.

DON’T WORRY! You are not alone! There is so much that can be done! All hope is not list! Here are some things you can do to regain stability, composure, and empathy all while doing what is expected of us on top of being there to comfort our students who need attention and concern.

1. Be kind to yourself. Don’t think that because you are not able to handle these situations that you are weak or incompetent. Remind yourself that if you are in this situation that shows that you listen well, open your heart, and care so much for your students. Be sure that you take time for just you!

2. Journal your thoughts. Writing your emotions and thoughts will help by getting those stressful or traumatic events and thoughts out of your head. Once it is down on paper, you have the opportunity to re-read it, reflect upon it, and maybe even gain new perspective from it.

3. Don’t face this alone. I know- I know! You may be saying to yourself- I just am so tired when I get home, the last thing I want to do is be out with people. BUT, I have news for you- you need to force yourself to be with others! Approach your colleagues, your friends, or anyone who will listen. Keeping these emotions to yourself will only make things more difficult for you and in return your family, friends, and your students. It is also super important to know that there are others who may be experiencing the same feelings. More so than not- I can guarantee you can find someone who is going through what you are and together you can find support. Studies (Figley, 2002) have shown that you can heal from compassion fatigue before it turns into serious burnout, and you can manage to continue to work and care for students with problems, while taking care of yourself.

4. Seek positive influences. No matter how much you love your colleagues, you need to try to surround yourself with positive influences. Now- I am NOT saying to stay away from these friends or colleagues. What I am saying is to stay away from negative thoughts and situations (which might include the teachers’ lounge lol). If you are around people who start to rant, maybe say you have to go finish something and wish them a great rest of their day! Make sure to find ways to stimulate the positive thoughts. If you need more than just positive conversations, read engaging articles, look for new classroom strategies, find ways to rejuvenate your passion for teaching. Last of all- keep people around you who can laugh with you and make you smile!

I just want to leave you with one thing to remember-
Julie Owens, Associate Professor of Education at Concordia University-Portland, says, “In order to support students or those around you, you must first support yourself! Think of the banking system. You need to have money to make withdrawals. If you have nothing left to give, because you have not taken care of yourself, your “bank” will be deficient and you will be even more stressed. Practice mindfulness strategies, do things you enjoy, and remember you are worthy of being cared for also.”