“Compassion fatigue is rampant both nationally and right here in the metroplex,” Fein said. “Medical and mental health care professionals, emergency care workers, clergy, counselors and volunteers who work with very sick or troubled people are particularly susceptible to compassion fatigue.
“But anyone who is called upon to perform frequent acts of care, such as caring for a gravely ill or elderly loved one or doing volunteer work at a crisis center, is vulnerable.”
According to the Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project, other symptoms include:
- Excessive blaming.
- Bottled-up emotions.
- Isolation from others.
- Substance abuse.
