Compassion Fatigue?

I watched an interesting documentary last night.  I walked in on the program already in progress so I'm not sure what it was called.  I'll try to find out but what interested me is the story of this guy who suffers from memory loss.  He had no head trauma or anything that might have caused this to occur but about 20 years ago, he was afflicted.

Now, he has no recollection beyond the immediate moment.  In fact, often in the middle of a conversation or response to an inquiry, he will forget the discussion was even transpiring.  He said he has no thoughts, no dreams, nothing in his mind.

The amazing thing is that he does recall his wife, who has stood by him all these years.  When she leaves the room, if even for a moment, he greets her as though he has not seen her in years.  He jumps up out of his chair with utter excitement and embraces her as though she had been gone for weeks. 

I just came across this phenomenon known as Compassion Fatigue while doing some research on the internet.  Compassion Fatigue apparently afflicts caregivers who experience burn-out from tending to the needs of a loved one on a regular basis. 

From Wikipedia:

"Compassion fatigue, also known as a Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a term that refers to a gradual lessening of compassion over time. It is common among victims of trauma and individuals that work directly with victims of trauma. It was first diagnosed in nurses in the 1950s. Sufferers can exhibit several symptoms including hopelessness, a decrease in experiences of pleasure, constant stress and anxiety, and a pervasive negative attitude. This can have detrimental effects on individuals, both professionally and personally, including a decrease in productivity, the inability to focus, and the development of new feelings of incompetency and self doubt."

For the record, I do not promote compassion above taking care of oneself.  Compassion must be balanced with self care and self nurturing.  It is not rational nor is it healthy to diminish the importance of your own needs to tend to the needs of another.



I often wonder how and why some people are immune to the potential negative effects of their circumstances while others fall prey to it.  One example is the child who grows up in a ghetto environment, surrounded by drug dealers and gangs, in fear for his/her life but determined to secure for themselves a better life.  They obtain an education and persevere while most follow in the life that has been predetermined by their circumstances. 

One theory is that the life you live is the path you are meant to be on. 

I'm not sure but I think there must be more to it.  What divine force would set a course for a child that included succumbing to the drug world, or world of prostitution?  Our free will is what distinguishes us from other species in the animal kingdom.  Free will must be a factor in our destiny since it provides us with the means to analyze and make choices. 

I think that Compassion Fatigue stems from the choice not to exercise choice. 

By that I mean, if you spend your time ignoring those signs and signals that tell you - "wait a minute, you need to take a break," then you are forming the building blocks to resentment within you.  Each time you ignore your internal voice that lets you know it's time to do something to take care of yourself you are adding to the brick pile. 

Or perhaps the caregiver roll was something you felt obliged to take on.  I can see where that would cause instant Compassion Fatigue. 

As I write this, I'm questioning the use of the word "Compassion" with regard to this affliction.  Is it Compassion Fatigue, really?  Or is it caregiving fatigue?  Regardless, I think that this planet is in desperate need of more compassion and I will continue to be a proponent of this cause.