The problem of caring too much: “If you empathize with all your patients, do you risk bearing too much of a burden? Does it lead to burnout? Is that “professional distance” necessary for one’s own survival — forget about the patients.’ As I see it, that is in fact the higher concern. Paradoxically, empathy needs pairing with the ability to compartmentalize, to relate one-on-one and leave it behind when you walk away. As if that’s actually possible.”
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A term for what he is describing is “compassion fatigue”
When we empathize with someone, our brain is mirroring theirs in it’s emotional state. Given that, it is obvious how empathizing with hurting depressed people all day is so draining. It is why it is the most empathetic docs who have the shorter careers. The guys who just keep going like the energizer bunny tend to be either rare types or actually–well like a machine–with all the affect of the energizer bunny.
I find it especially hard in psychiatry where to be good, you have to empathize as that empathy is both a diagnostic and healing tool–but it sucks out your soul eventually.
It is also a consequence of doctors (and husbands) no longer being on a pedestal. The drain is worse when less is going in to fill the energy losses and lets be honest–being taken dotted on and pampered by family and staff IS very energizing–but it doesnt’ happen nearly as much for most people either place.
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