EMPATHY FATIGUE

Empathy is defined as being aware of and sharing another person's feelings, experiences, and emotions. It is the ability to understand and share the feeling of others. It is putting yourself in the shoes of others and seeing things from their perspective and allowing yourself to get connected with their emotions. Sympathy is feeling some one’s misfortune as sorrow with out getting involved with it. 

German psychologists translated the word Einfühlung (Feeling in to) into English as "empathy".

Empathy Fatigue

Emotional or physical exhaustion resulting out of constantly caring for others is defined as Empathy Fatigue. When somebody is constantly exposed to traumatic experiences the ability to care is reduced. This reduction in care takes place on account of Empathy Fatigue. There are external factors that decide how people feel about kindness. These factors are a derivative of Parents, Peers, Society and culture and effect how people feel about compassion and helping behavior.

Low empathy is often a result of Narcissistic personality disorder, Anti-social personality disorder or borderline personality disorder. Sometimes you feel so overwhelmed by the sufferings of others that you feel Numb, or you feel that you are not caring more. It generally happens when your capacity to take care becomes overloaded. It can happen to workers in social sector, therapists, care givers and any body related to care giving including the professionals. Any body regularly exposed to emotional pain of others can experience it. You can get it if you are working in high emotional fields constantly. 

What to do when you experience Emotional fatigue

Identify the symptoms and relate and accept them. Increase the level of your awareness.

Set clear boundaries, Decline non urgent requests. Turn off alerts after a specific time of the day.

Practice self-compassion. Tell yourself repeatedly that you are doing the best of what you can.

Take a walk listening to lighthearted music and avoid heavy or overloaded lectures.

Ignite joy and curiosity, cook food, talk to friends, Visit parks, libraries or other shows.

Practice mindfulness, do yoga and meditate.

Conclusion

Empathy Fatigue is not a flaw. It is a signal that you have been deeply caring perhaps without caring for yourself. You need an emotional rest. Understand what is keeping you light hearted, joyous and happy. And follow the path.