Compassion Fatigue and the Burden of Empathy
Where to get help.
If you are experiencing symptoms of compassion fatigue you may benefit from accessing a psychologist. You do not need a referral and can go to them directly.
If you would like to claim rebates through Medicare, please see your GP for a Mental Health Care Plan.
If you have private health insurance and extras cover, you may be able to claim part of a psychologist's fee, but please check with your health fund.
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You can search for suitable psychologists by visiting the Australian Psychological Society (APS): https://www.psychology.org.au/Find-a-Psychologis
Speak Up
Latrobe.edu.au/speakup
03 9479 8988
Email: speakup@latrobe.edu.au
Student Counselling
Call: 1300 146 307 or Text: 0488 884 100 for after-hours counselling
Beyondblue
1300 224 636 (operates 24/7)
Lifeline
13 11 14 (operates 24/7)
Useful Resources
Many of the resources listed on this page also have their own recommended books, audiobooks or webpages that you may explore at your own convenience.
Below I have listed the ones I have personally explored and found useful to me, and I hope it will be helpul to you too.
Basics of Compassion Fatigue
A detailed guide with comprehensive information on how to reduce the secondary impact of working with traumatized populations, including: explanations, various self-assessments, prevention plans and healthy coping strategies
Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project
An online project dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of compassion fatigue and its effect on caregivers through gathering and disseminating useful information and resources.
https://www.edumed.org/resources/compassion-fatigue-online-guide/
Understand & Overcome Your Compassion Fatigue: An Online Guide
A webpage sharing a registered nurse's experiences of Compassion Fatigue over her thirty year career in the industry.
https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/short-courses/compassion-fatigue-the-cost-of-caring/
Compassion Fatigue: The Cost of Caring
A free online short course developed by Melboune University with the purpose of helping health professionals and professionals in training recognise, understand and prevent compassion fatigue.
Medical Providers and Compassion Fatigue
Psych Hub Education
A short, informative video on the warning signs of Compassion Fatigue and the simple steps one can take to avoid it.
How to Manage Compassion Fatigue in Caregiving
Patricia Smith | TEDxSanJuanIsland
Patricia Smith, founder of the Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project, shares in her talk about the path to wellness that begins with awareness, support, insightful information, and authentic self-care.
The Edge of Compassion
Françoise Mathieu | TEDxQueensU
Secondary Trauma specialist and compassion fatigue educator Françoise Mathieuhis explores ways to find the right balance between caring for others while staying healthy and empathetic.
Compassion Fatigue: What is it and do you have it?
Juliette Watt | TEDxFargo
From an individual that has experienced Compassion Fatigue firsthand, Juliette Watt shares in her passionate and compelling talk the insidious nature of this syndrome and the devastating effects it can have on your life.