Page 44 - APRIL 2019 FOP MAGAZINE

Mental Health and Wellness Support
Advice from professionals to promote better mental healthcare
Compassion Fatigue
Dr. Robert Sobo
Kathleen O’Neill, MA, LCPC, CCTP
Assistant Director, CPD Professional Counseling Division/EAP
Compassion fatigue is a syndrome which consists of various symptoms that mirror post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Compassion fatigue is related to interactions with a citizen’s trau- matic incidents and can lead to burnout. Burnout is a gradual pro- cess that gets progressively worse and is characterized by physical, emotional and mental exhaustion.
People who provide assistance and support to others in pain, either physical or emotional, tend to be empathetic and compas- sionate. These necessary qualities that help them to do their jobs can also place them in the direct path of experiencing secondary trauma or compassion fatigue reactions. Historically, the worker was labeled – burnt out.
Many helping professionals, as a result of listening to stories or witnessing the aftermath of traumatic events, could develop many of the same symptoms associated with PTSD as well as symptoms that are more dangerous. Police officers being caretakers and con- stantly doing work that causes burnout.
Some of the symptoms of compassion fatigue include: obsessive, intrusive thoughts; overeating; drinking/drugging/smoking more; irritability/anger; isolation; increased medical concerns; trouble sleeping and nightmares; hypervigilance and low self-esteem.
Some ways to prevent or overcome compassion fatigue include: balance by setting boundaries and limits; getting support/help (therapy, substance abuse counselors, peer support, chaplains unit, stress management seminar, marriage seminars); training and skill development; exercise; more sleep; proper diet; social support; meditation and relaxation; humor and a vacation.
Resiliency
Daniel DeGryse B.A., CADC, CEAP, LAP/C, CAI Director, Rosecrance Florian Program Addiction and Mental Health Services for first responders
How is that many of you persevere and do make it? Let’s look at the positives. How does somebody do 30 years on the police force? How does somebody discharge their weapon and manage through that? Let’s look at the positive lessons from these occurrences that would reinforce behaviors and learn from those, too.
This is a holistic-type thing. Talk to the men and women who have been through traumatic events and have made it, who have built up this resiliency. There are studies out there with regards to post-traumatic growth and first responders who have experi- enced a traumatic event and made it through. The next time you go through it, you know you can get through it because you have done so before.
But you have to know when that resiliency has worn out. You have to understand what is that breaking point. That’s the whole assessment process when somebody comes in for an evaluation: to determine the point when it changed from a positive coping skill to a negative one.
You can also look at who has been through traumatic events and what has helped them get through that. You might have the expe- rience in the field personally and professionally to provide that information to somebody who may not know. Let’s focus on the positive. You can put out a call to action for those people who have built a sense of resiliency and positivity through the events on the job and are willing to share them.
The Courage to Change
Is it time for you to make a major life change?
If alcohol or drugs are affecting your work, family or personal life, there is a solution.
Taking the first step toward a healthy, sober life is possible and Harborview Recovery Center is here to help.
We provide a safe, supportive environment in which you can learn to use tools to stay sober.
Experts in Addiction Medicine
Personalized Residential and Outpatient Facilities
Onsite Access to Medical Care
Ongoing Support Networks
Confidential, Caring and Dedicated to Working with Chicago’s First Responders
Harborview Recovery Center
Amita Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago •2900 N Lakeshore Dr. Chicago, IL 60657 773-665-3398: Intake – Carol Brophy • 773-665-3371: Unit – after hours and weekends
44 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ APRIL 2019