Exploring the meaning of compassion, comfort and compassion fatigue

The meaning of words is key in the work I do at Trauma Treatment International, writes Head of Projects and Partnerships Tiffany Watts, pictured.

What do we mean by 'trauma' versus 'stress', what is 'burnout' and what is 'compassion fatigue'? How are they translated in different languages and contexts, and change meaning over time? I’ve been thinking recently about the origins of the English words we use a lot in the charity sector: compassion and comfort being two examples.

Compassion is often listed as a core value by caring professions and third sector organisations; it conjures up a picture of kindness and empathy - this can sound a little 'nice' /passive versus pragmatic focused approaches. In fact the real meaning is so much more active and visceral: com..passion in the original latin is com..pati meaning to suffer together/with. Compassion (English dictionary): ‘a deep awareness of the suffering of others coupled with the desire and drive to relieve it. Often described as "love in action".

Compassion is felt and deeply intentional, with an individual choosing to suffer with someone rather than stand at a distance. The psychologists I work with describe trauma treatment as similar - not simply listening to someone’s trauma experience, but connecting with emotions and finding new meaning together. Compassion takes a huge amount of energy, courage and giving of self.

'Compassion fatigue' can be incorrectly used as meaning being tired and no longer able to muster feelings of kindness and empathy towards others. But, when taking its original meaning, it paints a very different picture: someone who has a full cup of suffering and is no longer able to contain it. In this context, how do we recognise and bolster those who are at risk of compassion fatigue?

This takes me to my second word: Comfort. When we talk about ‘comfort’ a picture may spring to mind of a hug, or telling someone “everything will be ok”. The origin of the word comfort indicates something far more active and intentional: con..fortis - ‘with..strength’ or to ‘strengthen greatly’ This speaks to regaining a sense of agency and power in distressing situations to offer strength in whatever form that may take: the strength of standing and bearing witness; the strength of practical and psychological support.

To comfort someone at risk of compassion fatigue, is to practically and psychologically scaffold them in their work. To stand with, not at a distance, in a way they express would be helpful.

At Trauma Treatment International, I talk to individuals in NGOs, local government, human rights campaign groups and anti-far right organisations across the world - people providing compassion in its truest sense. The main question I am asked is, “how do I keep going in these challenging times?” One leader told me it feels like they and those they support are being bashed by wave after wave with no time to come up for air. Others share frustration over the word ‘resilience’ being used to seemingly pass responsibility from those in power to already over-stretched and under-resourced frontline workers.

How do we move from praising ‘resilience’ and community response, to moving into action using our collective power and individual strengths to stand alongside one another and build metaphorical wave breaks? What does a 'com..fort, com..passionate society look like to you?

As we consider the value we can add at TTI, I would love to hear your thoughts - whether you work for an organisation providing a com..passion service to people who have experienced trauma. Or are also looking at multi-layered social response and can share your learnings.