Compassion Fatigue
Galatians 6:9 –
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers.
Merriam-Webster defines compassion fatigue as, “apathy or indifference toward the suffering of others as the result of over-exposure to tragic news stories and images and the subsequent appeals for assistance” (Compassion Fatigue, 2020). It can be brought on by direct exposure to traumatic events (e.g those in the health sector) or through secondary exposure by hearing of others’ trauma (social workers.)
However, Compassion Fatigue isn’t solely suffered by those working within the Social & Healthcare sectors. It affects all of us who hear about situations and aren’t moved or alarmed by what we see and hear. It’s for those of us who (probably wouldn’t admit it) start to blame others for their own suffering.
Compassion Fatigue is about seeing boats of refugees being turned away from our shores and not being heartbroken. It’s about hearing of kids in our neighbourhoods who would’ve gone without meals in the school holidays (had it not have been for the brilliant work of Marcus Rashford) and not being moved to take action.
Turning on the news at the moment is exhausting isn’t it? It’s almost as though we have to brace ourselves for what we’re about to hear. Many of my friends don’t listen to the news anymore, they find it too emotionally triggering.
Amelia and I run a charity called Elayos that provides Doulas for vulnerable women in Birmingham (Doulas support women throughout labour and birth or in the postnatal period, or both). We set up at the end of 2018 and what we are seeing now, is that a few of the clients supported back then are pregnant again and are asking for our help. I must confess I have privately expressed my shock and surprise, wondering why they would be in this position again. Then the Holy Spirit gives me a prod and reminds me to just get on with the work; clearly it isn’t finished. I am called to support and nurture with the hope of breaking the cycle of poverty for these families.
How do we avoid Compassion Fatigue as we care for others?
We can pray regularly, seek silence and solitude, take regular breaks from social media and set limits to how much media we consume. Actual proper rest, good food, exercise are things that we cannot skip on if we are to restore our bodies and minds so that as Paul says again in 2 Thessalonians 3.13 we “never tire of doing what is good.”
Father God, open my eyes to see the need around me. Give me your compassion, break my heart for what breaks yours. I need your Holy Spirit to fill me to overflowing. Refresh me and guide me as I do your work here on earth.