All health professionals around the world are currently experiencing enormous pressure caused by the Covid 19 outbreak which I can only imagine is testing everyone’s resilience skills right now. At this moment in time we have no idea how bad it is going to get or how long it is going to last. Everyone involved are actually working and living with trauma every day which is a very big ask of anyone. Our natural reaction based on polyvagal theory is to run or freeze but not to carry on putting ourselves in that danger.
Staff who are involved in trauma work are at risk of developing compassion fatigue as they struggle to cope with the unknow. Cocker & Joss (2016) Describe compassion fatigue as anger, exhaustion, negetive thinking, increased alcohol and drug use and decreased job satisfaction, sympathy and empathy. These are probably self protection measures that we would all develop faced with such difficult circumstances. The systematic review by the above authors suggests that the only way to help people manage compassion fatigue is by providing them with information and training around self compassion and resilience.
The resources on this site will help but it is also important that people talk to others about how they are feeling. Many people will feel guilty for feeling this way which can prevent them asking for help but it is simply a physical response to stress so it is nothing to be guilty about. The most important thing here is that if you recognise that you might be experiencing compassion fatigue by reading this about the signs above, is that you seek help quickly.
If unaddressed compassion fatigue can present a risk to not only your own health but also the health of others so it is important it is recognised quickly. I really hope and urge everyone in this situation is able to take care of themselves in this way, so that they can continue take care of others and feel compassion again for themselves and their colleagues.
Below is a link to a great video explaining how polyvagal theory affects how we all respond to trauma.
