Emergency Telecommunicator Certification Practice Exam

Which approach is recommended for addressing symptoms of compassion fatigue?

1. Seeking therapy or counseling

2. Resigning from work

3. Adopting a more rigid work schedule

4. Suppressing emotions

The correct answer is: Seeking therapy or counseling

Seeking therapy or counseling is highly recommended for addressing symptoms of compassion fatigue because it provides individuals with a supportive environment to explore their feelings and experiences. This approach allows emergency telecommunicators to process their emotions, gain perspective, and develop coping strategies customized to their needs. Professional therapists can assist in identifying the root causes of compassion fatigue and guide individuals in building resilience and self-care practices, ultimately promoting mental health and well-being. The other options are less effective as they either lead to avoidance of the issue (like resigning from work) or may exacerbate the symptoms (such as adopting a rigid work schedule or suppressing emotions). Resigning does not address the underlying problems and may lead to additional stress. Similarly, a rigid work schedule can lead to burnout, while suppressing emotions can prevent individuals from properly processing their feelings, further intensifying compassion fatigue. Seeking therapy provides a constructive and proactive path toward recovery.