Excerpt:
What Is Compassion Fatigue?
“…Additionally, this condition is referred to as second-hand shock or secondary traumatic stress disorder, points out Dr. Yvonne Thomas, a Los Angeles-based psychologist specializing in self-esteem and anxiety. “People who are around others that are suffering—emotionally or physically (or both)—may absorb this emotional wear and tear and can have their own trauma reactions,” she explains. Individuals working as caregivers, healthcare or medical providers, mental health professionals, and frankly anyone dealing with situations that involve intense levels of emotions are at risk of experiencing this type of fatigue.
It’s important to highlight that people outside these professions can be affected, too. Compassion fatigue is becoming a broader issue as we’ve all been exposed to significant upheaval and repeated stress. It’s almost as if we’ve become so accustomed to bad things happening around us that it’s dwindled our ability to feel genuine empathy.”
Yvonne Thomas, Ph.D. is a top rated Los Angeles Therapist. To read the full article “Compassion Fatigue” Is a Real Thing—Here’s How to Recognize the Symptoms” visit byrdie.com