Managing compassion fatigue and secondary trauma

By James Kendall, LCSW, CEAP, Manager, Work/Life Connections – EAP

During times of uncertainty and distress, we often feel helpless. Certainly, here in Middle Tennessee we have been experiencing distress from aftermath of the March 3, 2020 tornado, the COVID-19 pandemic, the “Toilet Paper Panic” and stock market roller coaster.

Because we are caring professionals who work with people in distress, we may be subject to compassion fatigue or secondary trauma which is the state experienced by those people helping others who are in pain and distress. We can feel tension, anxiety and preoccupation with the suffering of those being helped to the degree that it can create a distress for the helpers. Because we are compassionate beings, we often take others' psychological burdens home with us.

TAKE A BREAK FROM COMPASSION

• Get outdoors: Take a walk or a hike; work in your garden
• Connect: Call, email or write someone you have meant to connect with but haven’t “had the time”
• Take an action: Clean your living space; file your important papers
• Chill: Listen to music or read a book; watch a movie that gets you away from daily reality
• Communicate: Appreciate and thank those who support you

Remember that Work/Life Connection-EAP provides support to elevate the psychological resilience of Vanderbilt faculty and staff. Besides our face-to-face counseling and coaching, we now offer WLC ConnectCARE, telecounseling services via phone or ZOOM. Call 615-936-1327 M-F, 8am-5pm to arrange a confidential consultation.

Department Website:  http://healthandwellness.vanderbilt.edu/work-life/