compassion fatigue

Compassion fatigue is a state of emotional exhaustion that often affects caregivers, social workers, and healthcare professionals who are consistently exposed to the suffering of others. It occurs when the constant empathy and care leads to a decrease in the ability to feel compassion, resulting in feelings of apathy, burnout, and even guilt. This can impact personal well-being and job performance. Unlike burnout, which is related to work stress, compassion fatigue specifically arises from the emotional toll of caring for others, highlighting the importance of self-care and support in helping professionals manage their emotional health.