Hugh: Apparently Being TOO Nice Can Actually be Unhealthy

Are you all out of empathy? Compassion fatigue may be on the rise, and healthcare workers are in the highest category. According to a study by MHA, healthcare workers account for 52% of compassion fatigue cases.

“Compassion fatigue is a psychological term used to describe emotional or physical exhaustion leading to a limited ability to empathize or feel compassion for others,” Psychotherapist Jade Thomas. The condition is similar to work burnout, except caused specifically by helping others. This can be caused by trauma, like being a nurse during the pandemic, or more commonplace helpfulness, like being a friend’s go-to for advice!

Setting boundaries, engaging in self-care, eating well, meditating and journaling are ways to combat compassion fatigue.