Compassion fatigue or secondary trauma

This week Healthy Work has given training on secondary trauma. Similar to post-traumatic stress, the symptoms are the same, but they are experienced by those who help those who suffer. Doctors in the worst part of the pandemic and still now; people who help refugees or war wounded etc. they may be victims of compassion fatigue. Yes, compassion can kill us if we don't take care of ourselves. Many professionals dedicated to helping others suffer because "a blacksmith's house is a wooden knife". We know what to say and do, but we don't apply it to ourselves. To alleviate this level of stress, we must first become aware that we suffer from it and second, intervene with the tools we have. Resort to exercise, sleep and a good diet, socialize and talk about what we think and feel with people we love, manage our thoughts better so that we don't ruminate and can divert our attention elsewhere (practice mindfulness, meditation, yoga, relaxation or body exploration) and why not, resort to spirituality if that helps us. Now that there is so much to do for others, let's not forget ourselves. Compassion can cause us stress.