Title: Compassion Fatigue | Psychology Today
Headings: 
Contents
Feeling Another’s Pain
What are the symptoms?
What causes compassion fatigue?
Is compassion fatigue the same as burnout?
What is psychic numbing?
Who coined the term compassion fatigue?
Compassion Fatigue in the General Public
Why are people more empathetic toward family and friends?
Why are we more likely to help individuals, and not entire groups?
Why does watching the news make me feel despair?
How long does empathy last after a natural disaster?
Treating Compassion Fatigue
Can you prevent such fatigue?
How do you treat compassion fatigue?
Do people who suffer this fatigue self-medicate?
Are there other strategies that can help?
Does resilience training help?

Content: Compassion Fatigue | Psychology Today
People whose professions lead to prolonged exposure to other people's trauma can be vulnerable to compassion fatigue, also known as secondary or vicarious trauma; they can experience acute symptoms that put their physical and mental health at risk, making them wary of giving and caring. Contents
Feeling Another’s Pain
Compassion Fatigue in the General Public
Treating Compassion Fatigue
Feeling Another’s Pain
Empathy is a valuable trait for the military, first responders, humanitarian aid workers, health care professionals, therapists, advocates for victims of domestic abuse, moderators of offensive online content, and journalists on the front lines of war and disaster. But the more such individuals open themselves up to others' pain, the more likely they will come to share those victims' feelings of heartbreak and devastation. This sapped ability to cope with secondary trauma can lead to total exhaustion of one’s mental and physical state. What are the symptoms? Created with Sketch. < g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd">
Those who regularly experience vicarious trauma often neglect their own self-care and inner life as they struggle with images and stories that can’t be forgotten. Symptoms of compassion fatigue can include exhaustion, disrupted sleep, anxiety, headaches, stomach upset, irritability, numbness, a decreased sense of purpose, emotional disconnection, self-contempt, and difficulties with personal relationships. What causes compassion fatigue?