No one argues that compassion and helping others are certainly wonderful qualities.
Moreover, empathy strengthens social bonds and helps us all work together to confront society's problems.
But constant worrying about our family and friends has a negative impact on us.
If you recognize the symptoms of “compassion fatigue” in time, it will be much easier to cope with this condition.
Compassion fatigue - what is it
Compassion fatigue is the emotional exhaustion that occurs when we carry the pain and suffering of others.
It can be compared to the price we have to pay for our concern for those who are currently feeling bad.
We “pay” with our internal resources for taking other people’s problems to heart or trying our best to help those who need it.
Signs of compassion fatigue
If you make other people's problems your own, this is already a dangerous signal. Of course, you may have a feeling of worry for your loved ones, but if you can't focus on anything else because of it, it's time to sound the alarm.
Another telling sign is constant breakdowns on other people, which arise because you simply can no longer bear the thoughts about other people’s problems that have settled in your head.
Finally, you should be wary if you feel emotionally powerless, when you don’t have enough internal energy for anything. This often happens because you really want to help your loved one, but there is no way to influence the situation.
