8) Have you Ever Experienced “Compassion Fatigue?”

We’ve recently enjoyed the services of a great volunteer named David, who is helping some of our workers in stress. He was telling me the other day about a concept he’s been considering. He called it “Compassion Fatigue.” He described it as “a kind of exhaustion and numbness at times to the needs of the people being served.” He went on to explain that mental health professionals have observed that this syndrome can develop “when we give more of our hearts than we are able to replenish.” This results in grumpiness, being short-tempered, withdrawing socially, overeating and looking for excuses to avoid the necessary tasks of job and volunteer activities.” In fact, David added that it can affect one’s spiritual walk as well. What’s the solution? Often, a brief spiritual “strategic withdrawal.” He said, “In my brain, I see the projects that are undone and especially those on which I am kicking against a deadline. In my spirit, I know that my ability to complete those projects will be enhanced by taking some time to be replenished. In the physical, I want to be alone to work. In the spiritual, God is telling me to surround myself with Christian friends who will encourage and provide wisdom.” Have you experienced this phenomenon? If so, how do YOU avert it? If you can give any insight or testimony, please click “comment” following the web version of this item. And thanks to David for ‘bubbling this concept’ up to our attention.