Why are we not talking about Compassion Fatigue among Mental Health Nurses?

What is it about?

Mental Health Nurses working long-term with Individuals who present in emotional crises are particularly at risk of developing Compassion Fatigue as they may be witnesses to severe human distress and emotional suffering on a daily basis. They are also frequently exposed to stories of past traumatic histories. There are few studies however at the time of writing that have examined Compassion Fatigue among Mental Health Nurses working in with individuals in crisis in the UK. This might be due to the issue not being recognised by the Individual. Or it may be because the issue is not openly discussed; the Mental Health Nurse possibly feeling shame and worrying about their job if they were to disclose this.

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Photo by Doğukan Şahin on Unsplash

Photo by Doğukan Şahin on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This paper argues that the potential risks of compassion fatigue, both to the Mental Health Nurse and the Individual receiving care, mean that it is vital that both Mental Health Nurses themselves and their employers recognise Compassion Fatigue and take appropriate steps to reduce the potential harms.