You may have heard of this term in the health care setting. You might also think that these two words only describe those health care providers and family members who deliver care to those who are ill.
Compassion Fatigue, also known as Secondary or Vicarious Trauma, is not exclusive to those caregivers. It is a condition that each one of us may be subject to during these political times.
For a moment, let’s compare our bodies and minds to that of the workings of a car. There is a point at which a car must stop and fuel up or it will cease to run. Even electric cars need recharging after a period of time.
A certain level of tension and anxietyhelp to motivate us but, when pushed to its limit, it can be harmful to our bodies and minds. For instance, a rubber band has its limits of tension or pull. You can wrap it around a bundle, and it does its job. You pull it past its limit and it will break. Humans also have their limits and their breaking points.
At this time, you may be wondering why we are writing about rubber bands and cars running out of gas. To connect the dots, it is important to remember our history. There was a time when the word “Shell Shocked” referred to those soldiers who returned home traumatized by the sounds and shock of war. Today, in this country, we are also having “bombs” thrown at us daily.
Cruel immigration policies, the tragic treatment of children, the trauma to our environment, the insult to our Constitution, and the dismantling of our democracy as we know it are all traumatic events for those of us who care. It is obvious that many of us deeply care for this country. But at some point, we can find ourselves exhausted and overwhelmed and trying to make sense of the craziness. Amid this struggle, we can also experience despair, loss of hope, and anger.
Is there such a thing as caring too much?
Our inside voice says no. But, if we are going to continue to care this much, we must avoid becoming emotionally and physically depleted. This means, that between volunteering, organizing, and watching cable news, we must be sure to care for ourselves.
While experiencing any tension or anger, remember to talk about it with someone who can help you stay centered. The regular healthy things like exercise, eating right, sleeping, and taking time off from the news is mandatory. Take time and spend time with just yourself, the ones you love, and those who love you. Take time to really enjoy yourself. Yoga, fishing, singing, movies, music, dancing, your pets, whatever – do it and recharge your physical battery and relax your emotional rubber band.
If you do focus on spending time on you, you will be ready for the next political nightmare when it comes across the news. You will also be ready to celebrate all of your hard work when the Democrats win the Presidential election and secure the Senate majority. So, once you are refreshed, continue to work in your community, be sure to vote, and keep your eye on the prize of achieving Peace and Social Justice. Never stop trying and never give up.
