Therapy Thursday: Compassion Fatigue

In today's Therapy Thursday, the News 9 team is focusing on the emotional challenges of caregiving as Kyann Mitchner from Sunbeam Family Services joined to discuss compassion fatigue.

Compassion fatigue, Mitchner explains, is a gradual state of exhaustion that often shifts from initial enthusiasm to questioning one's continued ability to provide care. It primarily affects individuals who regularly attend to others, particularly those who have undergone traumatic experiences. This includes not only professionals in fields like in-home healthcare but also family members caring for loved ones, and individuals in religious service roles.

"There's also a great amount of guilt when someone starts feeling this way," Mitchner notes, underscoring the shared nature of these feelings among caregivers.

To combat compassion fatigue, Mitchner advises regular self-assessment to balance work and personal life effectively. She emphasizes that while caregivers are passionate about their roles, they often overlook their own need for breaks. She recommends practicing gratitude and exploring personal interests as essential strategies for self-care, stressing the importance of prioritizing one's well-being to better serve others.

For more information about Sunbeam Family Services and caregiving resources, visit their website.