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For two years, humanity has faced a pandemic, a series of crises and international conflicts. Constant bad news can lead to crisis fatigue. Understanding what it is and whether it can be dealt with
What is crisis fatigue and how does it occur?
Crisis fatigue is a type of burnout that occurs when people are faced with prolonged tragedy or persistently difficult events. Instead of acute stress, chronic stress develops. And the person seems to become indifferent to what is happening and ceases to feel compassion. In fact, this is not indifference. It’s just that the emotional resource has come to an end, and the psyche is no longer able to pass so much negative information through itself.
Crisis fatigue can be caused by several factors.
- Prolonged exposure to a stressor. When a person is in a stressful situation for a long time, this can negatively affect the psychological and physical condition.
- Lack of control. The feeling that we have no control over the situation leads to passivity and a desire to give up.
- Lack of support. It is much more difficult for people to cope with stress without reliable reliance on loved ones.
- Multiple stressors. When a person experiences several stressful events at the same time, such as a financial crisis and a pandemic, this increases vulnerability.
- Constant encounter with stressful information. Watching the news regularly makes you feel more informed, but it can overwhelm you to the point where you feel detached.
What is crisis fatigue?
Crisis fatigue can manifest itself in very different ways, which is why it is not included in the popular DSM-5 diagnostic system of American psychiatrists. However, chronic stress due to constant negative events has a number of recurring symptoms.
- Exhaustion. May manifest as fatigue, insomnia, or physical discomfort. Changes in sleep patterns, constant physical exertion, and loss of appetite can also contribute to low energy levels.
- Psychological detachment. May include feeling numb and feeling as if you are not living your life but passively observing someone else’s existence.
- Apathy. May manifest as feelings of hopelessness, a cynical reaction, or a lack of motivation. A person ceases to care for himself and experience empathy towards others.
- Physical symptoms. Rapid breathing and palpitations, sweating, trembling and muscle tension. If a person is exposed to chronic stress for a long time, then other signs appear – body aches, high blood pressure, digestive problems or headaches.
Crisis fatigue can also lead to severe mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, PTSD. Moreover, the constant release of stress hormones accelerates the physical deterioration of the body.
How to deal with crisis fatigue
If you are feeling apathetic or withdrawn due to negative news coverage, try the following strategies:
- Take breaks. Take a break from the news and social media. It’s good to be in the know, but it’s important to give yourself a break from the constant exposure to stressful events.
- Read less crisis news. You don’t have to pay attention to every detail. Set time limits on media and social media applications.
- Take care of yourself. Find time to relax and take care of yourself. Be sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly.
- Stick to a schedule. When you’re chronically stressed, having a daily routine helps you feel better. Studies have shown that it allows people to better deal with negative experiences.
- Talk to someone. Talking to a friend or family member can help you feel better. If it is not enough, contact a psychotherapist. He will help you comprehensively and professionally.