But those who are watching traumatic things unfold in communities they are connected to as well as those they empathize with from afar may also feel the impact of compassion fatigue, Sachs said. That can lead to exhaustion, irritability and difficulty continuing to engage with their empathy if not attended to, Sachs said. To be the best you can be for yourself, your loved ones and the issues you support, it is important to check in with yourself and prevent compassion fatigue, Figley said. “It’s not like, ‘Oh, I’m going to the spa for three days, and I’m going to rejuvenate, and then I’m ready to come back.’”Figley often recommends finding someone who you feel connected with for support. “There are going to be times where I am going to really feel that suffering,” Sachs added.

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Persons: Rebecca Sachs, Charles Figley, Kurzweg, Figley, Sachs, I’ve, ’ ”, “ It’s, “, ” Sachs, ’ ” Figley, ”, That’s Organizations: CNN, Mental Health, Tulane University Locations: Israel, Gaza, New York City, New Orleans