The nature of the work that do in your service-based business comes with some risks. One of the major ones is the risk of emotional trauma—after all, you’re an empathetic person devoting your time day in and day out to bettering the lives of others, and that can take a toll! There are various levels of trauma that you or fellow staff members may experience, and the most serious of these is depression.
What is Depression?
Depression is defined as a psychoneurotic or psychotic disorder marked especially by sadness, feelings of dejection, and in some cases, suicidal tendencies. A victim may also feel hopeless, unimportant, exhausted, or angry. Often, a person suffering from depression is unable to live in a normal way.
How is Depression Different from Compassion Fatigue?
While compassion fatigue is an emotional trauma resulting from a particular incident or a repeated occurrence of trauma over time, depression is a medical condition. Compassion fatigue results from the constant demands of caring for others; while depression may stem from that, it also can be unrelated. It’s also important to note that while compassion fatigue is related directly to workplace trauma, depression may have genetic roots.
Symptoms of each situation are similar—a person suffering from depression may experience many of the symptoms associated with compassion fatigue, such as negative thoughts, guilt and detachment, hopelessness, and a decreased level of empathy.
What is the Solution to Depression?
Another major difference between compassion fatigue and depression lies in the way that each is dealt with. While compassion fatigue can often be addressed using lifestyle or schedule changes, depression will most often require therapy, counseling, and/or medication to manage or correct. It’s a serious medical issue requiring professional help—things will not get better unless the individual suffering receives assistance!
There are a few things you or a fellow staff member can do to keep yourself healthy and keep depression and depressive thoughts at bay. Exercising or practicing yoga works for some; others may find solace in journaling or delving into a favorite hobby; still others might find that cleaning and organizing at home helps. Ultimately, though, if a serious case of depression has taken hold it will require a professional’s help to address. Learn more information, you can visit our website.
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