Compassion Fatigue:

When Helpers Get Tired of Helping

Courtney AllisonSoutheast Regional Coordinator

Agenda1. Understand Compassion Fatigue2. Recognize, Cope, Overcome3. Cultivate a Culture of Care and Compassion4. Currently research on sources of stress

within libraries in Indiana

What is Compassion Fatigue?

“A state experienced by those helping people in distress; it is an

extreme state of tension and preoccupation with the suffering of those being helped to the degree

that it can create a secondary traumatic stress for the helper.”

What is Occupational Burnout

“A type of psychological stress that is characterized by exhaustion, lack

of enthusiasm, and motivation, feelings of ineffectiveness, and as a result reduced efficacy within the

workplace”

Recognizing Compassion Fatigue

• Bottled up Emotions• Irritability• Depression• Chronic Physical Ailments• Difficulty focusing or concentrating• Avoiding work / calling in sick / coming in late

What are some things that you have encountered that can trigger compassion fatigue at work?

“Taking care of myself doesn’t

mean, me first. It

means, me too.”

L.R. Knost

Wheel of Human Needs

What are some of the things you experience at work that can trigger negative emotions?

Emotional Labor

Turn Your Stress Around

What are some activities that you engage in to relax or promote

renewal?

Cultivating a Culture of Renewal

Useful Playlists

http://learn.evergreen.lib.in.us

Questions?Courtney Allison

Southeast Regional Coordinator

callison@library.in.gov