Title: Compassion Fatigue
Headings: Compassion Fatigue
Compassion Fatigue
What is Compassion Fatigue?
Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue
Treatment of Compassion Fatigue
How Compassion Fatigue Affects Lawyers
How to Help a Colleague Affected by Compassion Fatigue

Content: Compassion fatigue is also known as vicarious trauma, secondary traumatic stress, second hand shock and secondary stress reaction. Regardless of the term used, compassion fatigue affects those in the helping professions, including the legal profession, and is treatable. Treatment of compassion fatigue may prevent the development of a more serious disorder. Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue
Perceiving the resources and support available for work as chronically outweighed by the demands
Having client/work demands regularly encroach on personal time
Feeling overwhelmed and physically and emotionally exhausted
Having disturbing images from cases intrude into thoughts and dreams
Becoming pessimistic, cynical, irritable, and prone to anger
Viewing the world as inherently dangerous, and becoming increasingly vigilant about personal and family safety
Becoming emotionally detached and numb in professional and personal life; experiencing increased problems in personal relationships
Withdrawing socially and becoming emotionally disconnected from others
Becoming demoralized and questioning one’s professional competence and effectiveness
Secretive self-medication/addiction (alcohol, drugs, work, sex, food, gambling, etc.) Becoming less productive and effective professionally and personally
Treatment of Compassion Fatigue
There are ways to mitigate compassion fatigue. Awareness. Understand what compassion fatigue is and periodically self-assess for it. Debriefing. Talk regularly with another practitioner who understands and is supportive.