Compassion Fatigue is the cost of caring for others, or for their emotional pain, resulting from the desire to help relieve the suffering of others. It is also known as vicarious or secondary trauma, referencing the way that other people’s trauma can become their own. Caregivers in the addiction and mental health field in meeting and providing for the needs and resources of their clients are in danger of becoming emotionally depleted by the intense needs of clients, and the workplace. This can result in a reduction in sense of accomplishment and feelings of inadequacy when clients do not respond, to efforts to help.

Compassion is a fundamental trait for addiction recovery and for life. Compassion for other’s suffering and a deep desire to relieve that suffering plays an important role in addiction recovery. The connection between self-compassion and substance use has been well studied. Recovery from addiction is often complicated by shame and regret over actions and behaviour during their active addiction. Self compassion is related to less drug and alcohol use, and people who develop severe alcohol problems, have better recovery outcomes including longer period of abstinence and fewer negative emotions such as stress, depression, and anxiety.

Unfortunately, negative emotions such as guilt, shame, and self-criticism come more naturally to us than positive emotions. This is especially true for people recovering from addiction and mental health issues.

Your experience of compassion may be directed toward other people, or it may be directed inwardly toward yourself.
• Compassion for others: When you experience compassion for others you feel their pain. You want to find a way to relieve their suffering. These feelings compel you to take action to do what you can to make the situation better.
• Self Compassion: Treating yourself with the same compassion and kindness you show to others. Rather than beating yourself up over mistakes you have made in the past you feel understanding, and are mindful and accepting of yourself and your imperfections.

What is the meaning of Compassion? Different aspects of compassion’s meaning are emphasized by various dictionaries. Merriam Websters’ definition of compassion, states “The meaning of compassion is to recognize the suffering of others and then take action to help.” Merriam Websters’ definition embodies the component of action. Other definitions refer to the broad sympathetic feelings associated with compassion such as empathy, sympathy, pity, or other compassion synonyms. One may feel sympathy, but not act on it – compassion gets involved. When others keep their distance from those who are suffering, compassion prompts us to act on their behalf.

Compassion can have a positive impact on your life, from improving your relationships to boosting your overall happiness. Some of the positive effects are:
• Giving feels good: One reasons feelings of compassion can be effective is both giving and receiving compassion can improve your psychological well-being. As a recipient you get the support you need. But giving support to others can be just as rewarding.
• Compassionate people live longer: Activities such as volunteering can improve your longevity. Studies have found that people who volunteer out of concern for others tend to live liver than people who do not volunteer.

SRWC is a unique community-based recovery-oriented agency that offers a holistic approach to recovery from addiction and substance abuse problems, encompassing physical, mental, spiritual and sexual health. We have short wait times for intakes and entering co-ed and gender specific programs for men, women and moms in recovery, morning, afternoon, and early evening, providing individual and group counselling, and family support. SRWC is committed to a flexible schedule in order to meet your recovery needs. SRWC supports health enhancing activities such as, exercise, mindfulness, nutrition, and gardening.

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Vitamin deficiency may be a result of unhealthy lifestyle choices. Let us explore the symptoms associated with each deficiency. Difficulty in walking, numbness in hands, legs, feet. – You may need Vitamin B. Eat eggs, liver, bright vegetables like pumpkins, carrots etc. Dry skin and slowly healing wounds – You may need Vitamin C. Eat more fruits, green vegetables. Fatigue, tiredness, depression, weak bones – You need Vitamin D. Expose more to the Sun and drink milk. Each body has different needs. Visit an expert for personalized recommendations that supports your medical history.