I am currently reading this book on compassion fatigue and caregivers. Several times (in a few short years of being a nurse) I have hit the brink of being ready to call my career quits, feeling utterly fatigued (like a little dark cloud is hovering around me), and ready to stay hidden under the covers. Through sheer will power and hopeful faith, I have made it this far without giving up. One day, randomly at the library (where I love to spend hours browsing the shelves) I found this book. It is geared toward psychotherapists, however the author report anyone in the care-giving role can benefit from learning about the psycho-physiology (basically how the brain and body react subconsciously under stress, particularly under stress reported from others such as patients). I am almost done reading it and cannot wait to report on the book and put some of her suggestions into practice!
Click the title for a link to a description and reviews at goodreads.com.
Rothschild, B., & Rand, M. L. (2006). Help for the helper: The psychophysiology of compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. New York: W.W. Norton.
Click the title for a link to a description and reviews at goodreads.com.
Rothschild, B., & Rand, M. L. (2006). Help for the helper: The psychophysiology of compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. New York: W.W. Norton.