- Healthcare workers are at increased risk for experiencing empathy fatigue/empathic distress which refers to the emotional drain that results from empathizing with patients who are in severe psychological or physical pain

Self-Compassion for Healthcare Workers

- By becoming compassionately aware of the other's pain without getting lost in it, its harmful effects are reduced. Moreover, the feelings of care and connection generated by compassion are positive and fulfilling rather than draining. Thus, though empathy for others' distress can be fatiguing, compassion is not, and can actually serve as a buffer against empathy fatigue 

Self-Compassion as an Antidote for Empathy Fatigue

- Empathy fatigue or empathic distress refers to the cognitive and physical consequences of consistently working with patients who are experiencing intense psychological and or physical trauma  
- Common in populations such as healthcare workers, therapists, counselors, first responders, hospice workers etc.

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- Increase self-compassion
- Combat empathy fatigue
- Assist people in managing physical symptoms
- To improve quality of life 
- Release Negative Energy

Goals and Benefits of Mindfulness

Neff, K. D., Knox, M. C., Long, P., & Gregory, K. (2020). Caring for others without losing yourself: An adaptation of the Mindful Self‐Compassion Program for Healthcare Communities. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 76(9), 1543–1562. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23007 

Self-Compassion Interventions for Healthcare Workers

Self-compassion entails being warm and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate, rather than ignoring our pain or punishing ourselves with self-criticism. Self-compassion also requires taking a balanced approach to our negative emotions so that feelings are neither suppressed nor exaggerated. This equilibrated stance stems from the process of relating personal experiences to those of others who are also suffering, thus putting our own situation into a larger perspective. It also stems from the willingness to observe our negative thoughts and emotions with openness and clarity, so that they are held in mindful awareness rather than overidentifying with them.

Self-Compassion

Empathy Fatigue or Empathic Distress

Although mindfulness interventions are commonly thought of as a treatment solely for mental and psychological illness, various mindfulness interventions have been used in physical rehabilitation.

Mindfulness in Physical Rehabilitation 

The individual's perception of their position in life. This is within the context of the person's culture and value systems and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns. It incorporates an individual's physical health, psychological state, independence, social relationships, personal beliefs, and relationship with the enviornment.

Quality of Life

A goal of mindfulness is to release or let go of negative energy which contributes to achieving the other goals but also serves as a goal in of itself as negative energy can greatly impact mental and bodily health. Release of negative energy increases the ability to keep the mind present, healthier thinking, and a healthier body. 

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