It can be tough time of year for health care professionals, particularly for those of us in mental health, with higher levels of compassion fatigue creeping in, which can lead to burnout.
In my experience, November and February present us with the highest levels of depression. For patients who struggle with addictions, December can be a very difficult month.
We have shorter days with colder temperatures, so patients are getting out less often and engaging in less physical activity.
With the holiday season, we have temptations for alcohol consumption and over eating.
This season is also difficult for people who have lost loved ones as grief can feel more intense.
Combine this with all of the financial and time stress that comes with December, it’s no wonder that patients feel more stress, anxiety and depression.
This means that anyone working in healthcare will be presented with these intense emotions.
Compassion fatigue warning signs include; feeling annoyed by patients, experiencing low energy and fatigue, feeling unable to keep up with client needs, irritability, isolation, increase consumption of food/alcohol, headaches, illness, poor sleep and so on.
Please know that you are not alone and that compassion fatigue is something you can recover from and protect yourself from so that you don’t burnout.
For me, the last week of November was when I noticed my first three warning signs – irritability, isolation, fatigue.
I immediately took actions to make some changes to my workload and implemented my self-care strategies.
At one point, my main goal for the day was simply to stay hydrated and to stretch frequently. These two small steps helped me get back on track with my self-care.
It’s now almost Christmas and I have plenty of energy and feeling happy, healthy & grateful.
Here is an video I recently published about my online Compassion Fatigue Recover Course.
If you want to learn more about the Compassion Fatigue Recover course and receive a discount over the holiday season, click here.
I hope you have a safe and happy holiday season.
Char