Beyond Compassion Fatigue
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
Several months ago, Time Magazine presented the frightening reality that the world suffers from "Compassion Fatigue." Jamie Ducharme's November 8, 2023, article "The Whole World Is At Risk for ''Compassion Fatigue.'"'" Ducharme's argument affirms, "In a world of 24/7 bad news, everyone is at risk." For the last several years, we have had 24/7 news, and our news sources have multiplied dramatically. Now, people can receive the news based on the biases that best serve their beliefs. Compassion declines when we fail to listen to those beyond our comfort zone.
Ducharme also names compassion fatigue because of the "psychological wounds that people experienced after living through traumatic events themselves, but also how their loved ones often came to share those burdens." Talk to any psychologist, nurse, or public school teacher, and you will hear stories of how children and families continue to suffer since the pandemic. Since COVID-19, society continues to suffer from PTSD. The reaction to PTSD is to focus on the self, causing emotional numbness toward others.
After naming the negative situations, we must focus on opportunities for healing. Ducharme quotes therapists who recommend wellness activities such as exercising, getting improved sleep, experiencing the outdoors, and discussing concerns with trusted people. When we share our fears and listen to others' anxieties, compassion is sparked anew.
What Time Magazine didn't include in the article that will help us through compassion fatigue is the role of faith. When we attempt to face compassion fatigue and other life challenges without divine support, we will struggle longer and more painfully. Inviting the Holy Spirit into this global struggle leads to renewed compassion. Only then are we able to provide the necessary care. Today, we begin the renewal process by naming our compassion fatigue and then using Ducharme's emotional recommendations. Then, invite God into the process of renewal, and we can overcome the pain and isolation of fatigue.