Change the Way You Think About Caregiving!
The COVID pandemic created more compassion fatigue and burnout the medical field and general population has seen in my lifetime. We are still recovering in this post-pandemic time the mental health and medical fields continue to struggle to meet the needs of people. I remember when the pandemic hit, I intuitively knew that to survive I needed to expand my meditation and prayer time and add an extra meditation into each day. Being so isolated I had to add a walk early in the morning and late in the afternoon each day, to boost my resilience in supporting the many nurses, teachers, and parents I was seeing. I tried to tie in walking with some social aspect of connecting with neighbors even at a distance and I had to be intentional about connecting with colleagues. Those things helped me immensely during that time.
Start by changing the way you think about caregiving!
Acknowledge that you are affected and that your work efforts have a negative effect on your body, mind, and spirit.
Understand we cannot properly care for others until we properly care for ourselves.
Realize that taking care of ourselves, “self-care”, is not selfish, it is essential. If we practice self-care we can give from a place of abundance.
Continually learn about ways to practice self-care and find what works for you and others. Read articles or books on self-care and keep trying new ways to refuel or relax. Exchange ideas with peers.
Learn what wellness programs your employer provides and engage in one of them or in the community if your employer does not have a program.
Challenge your mindset of focusing on others without thinking of yourself.
Realize that putting “me time” on your calendar is not selfish, it is essential.
Know that you must schedule time for yourself. If we don’t focus on our own needs, it will eventually destroy your ability to live and enjoy life and your ability to give to others.
References
CareNotes. Self-Care for Caregivers, Ralph P. Plumley, Th.M., C.T., 2019 Saint Meinrad, Archabbey, St Meinrad, IN 47577.
Burnout: The Secret to unlocking the Stress Cycle. Nagoski, PhD, Emily, Ngoski-Peterson, DMA, Amelia, 2020 Ballantine Books.
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What can I do to prevent and heal from Compassion Fatigue.
In their book, Burnout, Emily Nagoski, PhD and Amelia Nagoski, DMA identify “human givers” as those who either professionally or naturally give and are expected to give and many of whom experience what they term “human giver syndrome” and eventually “burnout”. They point out that people who live through traumatic experiences are survivors and the people who love and support the people who live through traumatic experiences are co-survivors and need the same love and support that survivors need.
