Burned out on caring: What you need to know about compassion fatigue

After months—or even years—of relentless stress, uncertainty, and a flood of emotionally charged headlines, many people are hitting their emotional limit. The result? A widespread emotional phenomenon known as compassion fatigue.

Whether you’re a caregiver, frontline worker, therapist, or simply someone trying to support others in a chaotic world, this silent strain can creep in until it’s impossible to ignore.

What is compassion fatigue, really?

Compassion fatigue is the emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that results from prolonged exposure to the suffering or trauma of others. It’s often referred to as secondary trauma, vicarious trauma, or secondary exposure, and it’s more than just “being tired.”

“When we find that we’re not as empathetic toward people in our immediate circle, that’s a good sign to step back and think about what can be removed,” says Leah Scanlan, M.A., LCPC, Director of Aspen Counseling by Rosecrance Therapies. “It’s hard to admit, but we can’t carry every burden or respond to every crisis. Sometimes the best we can do is tend to our own backyard.”

That sense of disconnection isn’t weak. It’s a signal. And when symptoms start interfering with your ability to function, it’s time to seek help.

What contributes to compassion fatigue?

While individual coping styles and life circumstances play a role, certain systemic and workplace factors can significantly increase the risk of compassion fatigue:

• High-stress or trauma-centered work environments
• Constant exposure to crisis or suffering
• Negative workplace culture or lack of support
• Heavy caseloads and unrealistic expectations
• Time pressure and poor organizational practices
• Emotional demands of working with marginalized or misunderstood populations
• Cultural glamorization of violence or distress

This isn’t just about “tough jobs.” It’s about the accumulated emotional toll of empathy, care, and responsibility.

Do I have compassion fatigue?

Compassion fatigue doesn’t look the same for everyone. It can sneak up subtly or hit like a wave. Here are some common symptoms of compassion fatigue to watch for.

Physical symptoms:

• Chronic exhaustion or fatigue
• Insomnia or disrupted sleep
• Headaches or increased illness
• Physical tension or pain
• Psychosomatic complaints (e.g., feeling sick without a clear cause)

Psychological symptoms:

• Anxiety or panic
• Depression or hopelessness
• Emotional numbness or detachment
• Irritability or quick temper
• Difficulty separating work and personal life
• Decreased empathy or sense of purpose
• Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts
• Feeling “burned out” or disconnected from joy

What’s the difference between compassion fatigue and burnout?

Though often used interchangeably, burnout and compassion fatigue are distinct:

• Burnout is the result of prolonged stress, often tied to systemic issues like workload, lack of control, or toxic environments.
• Compassion fatigue is rooted in emotional exposure to others’ pain and trauma without the proper support.

While 66% of employed Americans experience some form of burnout, certain professions, such as healthcare, are more prone to compassion fatigue. Both are serious, and both are treatable.

Practical strategies to prevent burnout and fatigue

We can’t eliminate stress from our lives, but we can build resilience and guard our emotional reserves. Here are some tips to help you cope with compassion fatigue:

1. Practice intentional care. This isn’t bubble baths and spa days (unless that works for you). It’s about actively protecting your mental and emotional health, especially in high-stress times.
2. Set emotional boundaries. You don’t have to absorb everyone’s pain. It’s OK to say no, step back, or disconnect when you need to.
3. Cultivate self-awareness. Check in with yourself throughout the day. How are you feeling—really? What’s draining your energy? What’s restoring it?
4. Maintain work-life balance. Boundaries between professional responsibilities and personal life aren’t luxuries, they’re survival tools.
5. Schedule time for joy and rest. Recharge with activities that aren’t productive. Read. Walk. Laugh. Nap. Do things that remind you that you’re human.

When to seek professional help for compassion fatigue

It starts by acknowledging that you’re not alone and that healing is possible.

At Rosecrance Therapies, our therapists work with individuals experiencing compassion fatigue, burnout, anxiety, and trauma-related stress. Whether you need a few outpatient sessions to reset or a long-term partner in your healing journey, we’re here to help you reclaim balance.

Many people find themselves overwhelmed, especially during high-stress seasons. But you don’t have to white-knuckle your way through it.

You deserve care, too.

Ready to refill your emotional cup?

Contact Rosecrance Therapies to explore personalized treatment options that fit your needs, from outpatient support to residential care. Our team is here to walk beside you, every step of the way.