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Care-givers and Compassion fatigue - Aurora Parent Workshop 1/11/14

Updated: Aug 2, 2025

Word Origin

 

Compassion fatigue is defined as fatigue, emotional distress, or apathy resulting from the constant demands of caring for others.

 

Caregivers of disabled children are especially vulnerable to this condition. While the natural human instinct to help your child remains, the emotional resources needed to sustain compassion can wear down over time.

 

 

What is Compassion Fatigue?

 

Compassion fatigue results from the emotional toll of caring for someone with continuous, long-term care needs. It's not limited to parents—any long-term caregiver can experience it.

 

Related Terms

 

  • Burnout – Commonly used in medical professions

  •  Secondary Traumatic Stress 

  • Vicarious Trauma

     

Charles R. Figley, co-author of Compassion Fatigue: Coping With Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder in Those Who Treat the Traumatized, said:

“There is a cost to caring.”

Common Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue

 

You might notice signs like:

 

  • Emotional withdrawal

  • Poor hygiene 

  • Difficulty concentrating 

  • Compulsive behaviours (e.g. overeating, substance abuse) 

  • Depression, stress, or trauma 

  • Physical symptoms like frequent colds or stomach issues

     

Other Possible Symptoms:

 

  • Intrusive thoughts

  • Chronic fatigue

  • Sadness or anger

  • Shame or fearfulness

  • Emotional exhaustion

  • Flashbacks or nightmares

  • Detachment and absenteeism

 

Challenges of Caring for a Disabled Child

 

Caring for a disabled child brings unique emotional, physical, and practical challenges. While the role is demanding, it can also be deeply rewarding. You are not alone—and you don’t have to do everything perfectly to be a good caregiver.

 

 

Building Resilience as a Caregiver

 

Learn About Your Child's Disability

 

The more informed you are, the less anxious you’ll feel.

 

Connect with Other Caregivers

 

You’ll feel less isolated by sharing experiences.

 

Trust Your Instincts

 

You know your child best—don’t ignore professional advice, but listen to your gut too.

 

Encourage Independence

 

Where possible, let your child participate in their care. Use assistive technologies and strategies to support autonomy.

 

Know Your Limits

 

Set boundaries and communicate them clearly to others.

 

5 Tips for Making Caregiving Easier

 

Tip 1: Accept Your Feelings

 

Caregiving can bring up:

 

  • Anxiety and worry

  • Anger or resentment 

  • Guilt or grief

These emotions are natural. Talk to someone you trust and don’t keep them bottled up.

 

Tip 2: Don’t Try to Do It All 

List all caregiving tasks. Determine what you can do and what others can help with. Remember: you don’t have to do it alone.

 

Tip 3: Ask for Help 

Ways to make it easier to ask for support:

 

  • Choose a quiet time to talk 

  • Share specific tasks you need help with 

  • Let people choose how they can contribute 

  • Be honest and clear about what would be most helpful

     

Tip 4: Care for Yourself

 

Your wellbeing matters. Here’s how:

 

Emotional Health

 

  • Take time to relax daily 

  • Keep a journal 

  • Talk to someone 

  • Seek spiritual connection or meaning 

  • Watch for signs of depression

     

Social & Recreational Needs

 

  • Stay social 

  • Laugh and do things you enjoy 

  • Maintain hobbies and personal interests

  • Take regular breaks 

  • Find community support

     

Physical Needs

 

  • Exercise at least 3 times a week 

  • Eat nutritious meals 

  • Avoid substance misuse 

  • Sleep 8 hours per night 

  • Keep up with your own medical needs

     

 

Tip 5: Build a Support System

 

Ideas for community support at Aurora:

 

  • Parent-to-parent telephone support system 

  • Scheduled check-in calls after difficult episodes 

  • Talk to your faith community about your needs 

 

The Next Step: Manage Stress and Prevent Burnout

 

Caregiving is inherently stressful—but stress can be managed.

 

Awareness of your emotional state is the first step in avoiding compassion fatigue. Pay attention to your thoughts, behaviours, and physical health. Self-awareness enables early intervention.

 

 

In Conclusion

 

Healing from compassion fatigue starts with:

 

  • Authentic self-care 

  • Support networks 

  • Ongoing education

     

Set boundaries.Express your needs.Make small changes to improve your environment.Learn. Reflect. Heal.

 

 

Further Reading

 

 

 


 
 
 

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