Top 5 Signs You’re Experiencing Compassion Fatigue—and What You Can Do About It

Lethicia Foadjo
Sep 17
3 min read

Are you feeling emotionally drained by helping others? Does your once-deep empathy now feel numb or exhausted?

You may be experiencing compassion fatigue—a silent, slow-burning form of emotional exhaustion common among caregivers, health professionals, therapists, parents, and those in helping roles.

At LK Psychotherapy, we support individuals and professionals who give tirelessly to others—and who sometimes need help remembering to care for themselves. This blog explores the warning signs of compassion fatigue, how it differs from burnout, and what you can do to heal and reconnect with your own well-being.

💡 What Is Compassion Fatigue?

Compassion fatigue is the emotional and physical erosion that happens when you're constantly exposed to the suffering, trauma, or stress of others. It’s sometimes called "the cost of caring."

It differs from general burnout in that it stems directly from vicarious exposure to others' pain, often in high-empathy roles. Over time, your nervous system becomes depleted, leaving you overwhelmed, disengaged, or numb.

🚩 Top 5 Signs of Compassion Fatigue

1. Emotional Numbness or Irritability

You may feel detached, cynical, or emotionally shut down—even in situations that used to move you. Alternatively, you might notice you’re more reactive, impatient, or on edge.

“I used to care so deeply… now I feel nothing or everything all at once.”

2. Exhaustion That Doesn’t Go Away

You sleep, but still feel depleted. Your body aches. Your energy crashes. Compassion fatigue often shows up as deep mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion that rest alone doesn’t fix.

3. Reduced Capacity for Empathy

You may start avoiding emotional conversations, feel annoyed by others’ needs, or struggle to be present in your relationships. This can lead to guilt and self-criticism, creating a painful cycle.

4. Loss of Purpose or Motivation

Tasks that once felt meaningful now feel like a burden. You might question whether your work or caregiving even matters anymore. This is often accompanied by feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, or self-doubt.

5. Withdrawal from Social Connection

You may isolate yourself, cancel plans, or stop reaching out to friends and loved ones. Social connection can start to feel like “just one more thing” on your overflowing emotional plate.

🧠 The Compassionate Person’s Dilemma

You want to keep showing up. You feel guilty when you can’t. But over-functioning only deepens the fatigue.

The truth? You can’t pour from an empty cup. And you don’t need to burn out to prove you care.

✅ 5 Steps to Begin Healing from Compassion Fatigue

1. Acknowledge It Without Shame

Naming compassion fatigue is the first—and bravest—step. It doesn't mean you're weak. It means you're human, and you’ve been giving a lot.

“It makes sense that I’m tired. I’ve been holding so much for so long.”

2. Set Boundaries That Protect Your Energy

Learn to say no without guilt. Build in transition times between work and home. Limit how much emotional labour you take on in non-professional settings.

Need help? Our therapists can help you build a boundary plan that actually sticks.

3. Reconnect with Joy and Rest

Make space for things that nourish you—not just numb you. This could be:

Time in nature
Gentle movement or yoga
Laughter with a friend
Reading something that isn’t “self-help”

You don’t have to earn rest. You’re already worthy of it.

4. Seek Support from a Trauma-Informed Therapist

Therapy can provide a safe place to:

Process emotional overload
Build sustainable self-care routines
Explore deeper patterns of over-functioning or guilt

At LK Psychotherapy, we work with frontline workers, caregivers, and professionals who are tired of carrying it all alone.

5. Connect with Peers Who Understand

Support groups can be powerful antidotes to isolation. Whether you’re a mental health worker, educator, nurse, or parent—you’re not the only one feeling this way.

Stay tuned for our upcoming Compassion Fatigue Support Circles—offered virtually and in-person across Belleville and Ontario.

📌 Download Our Free Resource

🎁 Click here to download “5-Minute Daily Reset Practices for Caregivers” (PDF) A simple, research-based tool to reconnect with your body, breath, and boundaries in under 5 minutes a day.

✨ Final Thoughts

Compassion is your strength—but you don’t have to carry everyone else's pain alone. When you begin to care for yourself with the same dedication you offer others, healing becomes possible.

You deserve rest. You deserve joy. You deserve support.