Global Grief Network logoGGN Secondary Grief and Compassion Fatigue
Global Grief Network Education Center
Module 1 of 6

The Cost of Caring

About 1 hour

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Lessons in this module
  1. Secondary grief
  2. Compassion fatigue
  3. Not a failure

Objectives

By the end of this module you will be able to:

Lesson

Secondary grief

Secondary grief is the grief people feel when they are close to others' losses. A nurse may grieve patients, a teacher may grieve a student, and a counselor may feel the weight of clients' stories. This grief is real even when the loss is not personally yours.

Compassion fatigue

Compassion fatigue is a kind of emotional and physical exhaustion that can build when people care for others in pain over time, without enough rest or support. It can reduce the ability to feel and show empathy.

Not a failure

These effects are a natural cost of caring. They do not mean someone is weak or in the wrong job. Noticing them is a sign of self awareness and an opportunity to restore.

GGN reminder: Caring deeply has a cost. Noticing that cost is a sign of strength.
GGN practiceMy caring story (about 10 minutes)

Write about one person or situation you supported that stayed with you. What did you feel then, and what do you feel now? If this brings up pain, pause and reach out to someone you trust, or call or text 988.

Fictional storyFictional Story 1.1: The hospice volunteer

Jada volunteers at a hospice. After a patient she had grown close to died, Jada found herself crying in the car and then feeling silly about it, because he was not her family.

Questions to consider:

  1. What might Jada be experiencing?
  2. What might help her?

Discussion: Jada may be experiencing secondary grief. It could help to acknowledge her loss, talk with a supervisor or fellow volunteers, and take part in a remembrance ritual.

Reflection Prompts

  1. Which losses of others have affected you?
  2. How do you usually respond to the cost of caring?
  3. What would self compassion look like for you?

Module 1 Quiz

Choose one answer per question, then check your answers. You need 4 of 5 correct to pass, and every critical item must be correct. You can retake it any time.