Compassion Fatigue

Serving as others is a marathon, not a sprint. Because you are opening your heart to the suffering of others, you are at risk of Compassion Fatigue (sometimes called "secondary traumatic stress"). This isn't a sign of weakness; it’s a sign that you have been loving deeply and need to rest.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Review these signs honestly. If you check 3 or more, it may be time to step back from home visits for a "Sabbath period" to recharge.

[ ] The "Cynical Heart": Do you find yourself feeling annoyed by the "Friend-in-Need" or thinking, "Here we go again, another excuse"?
[ ] Emotional Numbness: Do stories that used to move you to tears now leave you feeling nothing at all?
[ ] Excessive Guilt: Do you feel like you aren't doing enough, even when you’ve followed the Conference guidelines?
[ ] Intrusive Thoughts: Do you find yourself worrying about a specific case during Mass, at dinner, or while trying to sleep?

[ ] Resentment Toward God: Do you find yourself asking, "Why does God allow this?" with anger rather than trust?
[ ] Prayer Avoidance: Has your personal prayer life become a chore or something you've stopped doing because you feel "spiritually dry"?
[ ] Loss of Purpose: Have you forgotten why you joined the SSVP, seeing it now only as a list of bills to pay?

[ ] Exhaustion: You feel tired even after a full night's sleep.
[ ] Avoidance: You find yourself making excuses to skip your scheduled home visits or Conference meetings.
[ ] Irritability: You are shorter with your family, friends, or fellow Vincentians than usual.

If you are feeling fatigued, follow the 3 R’s based on Jesus' own rhythm of ministry:

Retreat (Luke 5:16): Jesus frequently "withdrew to lonely places and prayed." Take one week or one month off from home visits. The Society will continue; God is in control.
Re-connect (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10): Talk to your conference or ministry president or Spiritual Advisor. Don't carry the emotional weight alone. Shared burdens are lighter.
Restore (Psalm 23): Do something that feeds your soul that has nothing to do with ministry. Read a book for pleasure, spend time in nature, or enjoy a meal with friends where you don't talk about work or poverty.

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