Coping with Crisis Fatigue

As a result of constant exposure to negative events broadcast through social media and news outlets, individuals can experience crisis fatigue, a form of emotional exhaustion stemming from prolonged exposure to crisis situations.

Unlike acute stress, which is intense yet temporary, longer-lasting stress can manifest as physical fatigue, mental detachment, and apathy.

While crisis fatigue is not a distinct condition in the DSM-5, it is commonly experienced in response to chronic stressors such as natural disasters, economic crises, and social unrest.

Common indicators of crisis fatigue include physical exhaustion, mental detachment, and apathy. It can also manifest in physical symptoms, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance abuse.

Contributing factors to crisis fatigue include prolonged exposure to stressors, lack of control, lack of support, and exposure to overwhelming amounts of stressful information.

To manage crisis fatigue, consider limiting exposure to news updates, prioritizing self-care, maintaining a structured schedule, reframing the situation in a positive light, taking action to contribute to a solution, engaging in conversations with others, setting boundaries, and seeking professional help if necessary.