Como você pode apoiar alguém com burnout ou fadiga por compaixão?

For myself, it is important to do self-care. Be compassionate with someone who feels burnout. Validate their feelings. Encourage them to use a journal to set boundaries. Encouragement to do healthy activities and their own self-care has to come first. Listen, validate and encourage anyone who is feeling burnout.

Secondary trauma is definitely something that professionals in support roles should consider! Secondary trauma can cause symptoms that are similar to those of PTSD, and occurs when a person hears accounts or experiences of other people’s trauma. Peer supporters, people working in mental health or violence prevention fields, and others might spend a large part of their day listening to the trauma of others — it makes sense that this would impact a person!

My favorite approach to addressing and preventing the difficult parts of support work is to have a “menu” of self care activities. This can go beyond bubble baths and candles, and might include things that meet different needs — social, physical, active, restorative, distraction, and so on. It is especially useful to create your menu when you aren’t actively experiencing burnout or compassion fatigue, although this doesn’t preclude people who are currently struggling. If you feel stuck, you migh try creating your list with a mental health professional, trusted friend or loved one who you feel comfortable speaking to about what you’re feeling.

12 strategies to help you cope with burnout and compassion fatigue: 1. Exercise, meditate, and connect with nature regularly 2. Learn to say "NO" 3. Balance work and life 4. Connect with others 5. Practice deep breathing, yoga, journaling 6. Engage in hobbies and creative pursuits 7. Prioritize sleep, healthy eating, exercise 8. Seek professional help 9. Seek support from loved ones 10. Take breaks and practice self-care rituals 11. Practice gratitude and self-reflection 12. Explore new roles, industries, and career paths Remember, supporting yourself with burnout or compassion fatigue requires patience, kindness, and self-awareness. Therefore, Prioritize your well-being and seek support when needed.

The best support you can offer yourself is reaching out for help. I remember how I surrendered once during an emotional blackout episode and we canceled our call because of it. I often took some breaks to get back on my feet and mind, without the fear of being judged or judging myself for that matter. To support yourself truly and fully, make sure that first of all, you dare to accept the burnout. Secondly, you need to stop bothering yourself with high-functioning anxiety that kicks in at random intervals. And lastly, reconnect with yourself by being mindful. Nothing lasts, so stay connected with your friends and family. Fix your coping mechanism and it will all work out for good.

Supporting others with burnout or compassion fatigue requires empathy, understanding, and non-judgmental approaches such as: 1. Listen actively 2. Validate their feelings 3. Encourage self-care 4. Help with workload or tasks 5. Connect them with resources 6. Encourage boundaries 7. Offer emotional support 8. Respect their limits 9. Celebrate their strengths 10. Create a supportive environment Always approach with patience, understanding, and empathy, and provide a safe space for them to open up and heal.

In my experience, boundaries are essential in preventing burnout and compassion fatigue. Boundaries in peer support between supporter and supported, boundaries between work and home, and even physical boundaries of “work space” and non-work space (for those who work from home). Some other things that can help are becoming aware of the early signs that you are becoming emotionally exhausted or that your capacity is going down, and communicating that with your team. You could also reflect on aspects of your work that you find less taxing and, after communicating with those you work with, adjust your workload to include a heavier balance of what you feel able to do without the risk of compassion fatigue.

I completely agree with the importance of proactively addressing burnout and compassion fatigue. As a Volunteer, I've seen firsthand the impact that neglecting one's well-being can have on their ability to effectively support others. By prioritizing self-care, setting realistic goals, and fostering a positive work environment, peer supporters can ensure they're providing the best possible support to those in need while also maintaining their own resilience and emotional well-being. Additionally, regular supervision, training, and seeking support from colleagues and mentors can help peer supporters navigate challenging situations and prevent burnout.