The Hidden Cost of Caring: A Guide to Understanding Compassion Fatigue What is Compassion Fatigue, and How is it Different From Burnout? Compassion fatigue is the emotional and physical exhaustion from caring for others. It can be a common experience in helping professions or caregiving roles. Over time, continuous exposure to the trauma and suffering of others can dull empathy, create feelings of helplessness, irritability, anger, depression, and anxiety. It can even lead to burnout. Understanding the nature of compassion fatigue and how it differs from burnout is the first step in addressing it. Recognizing its effects and symptoms can help you take steps to prevent and manage compassion fatigue, ensuring your well-being and sustaining your ability to care effectively. Burnout is related to prolonged workplace stress, which causes physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. Symptoms of work-related burnout include decreased performance, apathy, a sense of dissatisfa...