Preventing Burnout and Compassion Fatigue

What is Burnout?
Burnout is a state of physical, mental, spiritual and emotional exhaustion caused by extended and intense levels of stress, causing the body to over-produce adrenaline. It leads to the questioning of one's abilities and/or the value of one's work
What is Compassion Fatigue?
Compassion fatigue is defined as a natural consequence and by-product of caring for, listening to and helping those traumatized or learning about and hearing stories of those traumatized.
What are Key Signs of Burnout and Compassion Fatigue in Pastors:
Common Symptoms of Burnout:
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Chronic fatigue, hopelessness, disillusionment, anxiety, disturbed sleep patterns, depression, isolation, harshness towards colleagues or parishoners, pervasive negativity and cynicism, a reduced commitment to work
What Are The Main Causes of Burnout:
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Working too long and hard without a break.
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Reaching a goal after long hard work and not having a vision or purpose to go forward from there. (Very typical after a church building program).
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Feeling you are betrayed by those you are serving.
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Feeling betrayed by those you are serving under.
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Having done all you can in a position or place but not letting go or move on.
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Feeling used or not cared for.
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Sin, unconfessed and unrepented.
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Wrong priorities in the use of time and energy. (Becoming a workaholic).
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Violating the weekly "Sabbath" principle.
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Being on duty 24/7.
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Disappointment and disillusionment with a leader you have faithfully served.
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Failure of a project or ministry you have invested of yourself very heavily in.
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Frustration with others.
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Unfulfilled expectations of success, recognition or reward.Lack of focus.
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Energies and activities scattered in too many directions.
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Trying to do the job you are not called, gifted or properly trained to do.
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Working for the wrong motives.
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In over your head without adequate support.
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Occupying a position rather than fulfilling the call.
What Are The Common Consequences of Burnout:
Burnout is emotional exhaustion. Burnout can cause you to give up on something you have passionately committed to.
Burnout can cause you to:
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Leave your church too soon.
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Quit doing what God has called you to do.
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Give up on your dreams.
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Change your attitude and personality.
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Damage your most important relationships.
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Be lead to moral failure and sexual sin
Key Facts about Burnout & Compassion Fatigue: (from pastoralcareinc)
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33% felt burned out within their first five years of ministry.
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40% of pastors and 47% of spouses are suffering from burnout, frantic schedules, and/or unrealistic expectations.
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45% of pastors' wives say the greatest danger to them and their family is physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual burnout.
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45% of pastors say that they've experienced depression or burnout to the extent that they needed to take a leave of absence from ministry.
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52% of pastors say they and their spouses believe that being in pastoral ministry is hazardous to their family's well-being and health.
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57% would leave the pastorate if they had somewhere else to go or some other vocation they could do.
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75% report severe stress causing anguish, worry, bewilderment, anger, depression, fear, and alienation.
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90% work more than 50 hours a week.· 1,500 pastors leave their ministries each month due to burnout, conflict, or moral failure.
Contact me if…
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You would like to learn more about the relevance of burnout/compassion fatigue in your life and/or in your ministry
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You would like for me to conduct a training in-service to your church leadership about the importance of knowing the signs of burnout/compassion fatigue and having a preventative plan in place
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You would like for me to conduct a church community presentation to your church members about the importance of balance as individuals, families and a larger church community
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You would like to know about more resources available in regards to preventing burnout/compassion fatigue and ways of dealing with the fallout of it has already happened
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You have any questions or suggestions that are not covered in this section or the featured articles offered.
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