What is compassion fatigue?

Compassion fatigue is a form of emotional and physical exhaustion that arises from prolonged exposure to the suffering of others. It is often experienced by those in caregiving or service-oriented roles, such as aid workers, social workers, teachers, or healthcare professionals. Unlike burnout, which stems from systemic pressures and excessive demands, compassion fatigue is rooted in the emotional toll of empathizing with and supporting individuals in distress. It can lead to feelings of numbness, detachment, and a reduced ability to offer care or empathy, leaving individuals struggling with their own sense of purpose and well-being.

From a relational perspective, compassion fatigue is not just a personal response to challenging work; it is deeply influenced by the environments and systems in which care is given. In many cases, these systems fail to provide adequate support, resources, or recognition for those who engage in emotionally demanding roles. When caregivers are expected to continuously absorb and respond to the pain of others without opportunities for restoration or collective care, they become vulnerable to compassion fatigue. This issue is compounded in systems shaped by colonial, capitalist, and individualistic values, where care work is undervalued and seen as an endless resource to be drawn upon.

Reframing compassion fatigue through a relational and decolonial lens shifts the focus from individual resilience to systemic accountability and community care. It recognizes that compassion fatigue is a sign of imbalance—not only in the caregiver but also in the systems that prioritize productivity over connection and humanity. Healing from compassion fatigue involves creating spaces for collective reflection, support, and replenishment. It calls for reimagining care as a shared responsibility and centering relationships, reciprocity, and community as the foundations of sustainable caregiving.