Taking care of someone who needs you is noble, but it can be taxing, too. Compassion fatigue and burnout are common for people who work in high-stress caretaking professions — and while the terms are often used interchangeably, they’re not the same thing.With a growing awareness about mental health issues in caregiving, it’s important to explore the differences between compassion fatigue vs. burnout. Understanding as much as possible will help you recognize symptoms so you can seek help and find support when you need it.Read on to learn more about burnout and compassion fatigue symptoms, key differences, and what to do if you think you’re experiencing either.
Taking care of someone who needs you is noble, but it can be taxing, too. Compassion fatigue and burnout are common for people who work in high-stress caretaking professions — and while the terms are often used interchangeably, they’re not the same thing.
With a growing awareness about mental health issues in caregiving, it’s important to explore the differences between compassion fatigue vs. burnout. Understanding as much as possible will help you recognize symptoms so you can seek help and find support when you need it.
Read on to learn more about burnout and compassion fatigue symptoms, key differences, and what to do if you think you’re experiencing either.
What is Compassion Fatigue?Compassion fatigue, also known as secondary trauma or vicarious trauma, is the state of physical, mental, oremotional exhaustionthat occurs when you experience prolonged exposure to someone else’s suffering. It’s a common experience for family caregivers or anyone in a helping profession or position. It’s important to note that compassion fatigue is different from burnout in that fatigue is tied to the empathy and care you give people in distress, whereas burnout is generally linked to work-related stress and causes a gradual depletion of energy.Commoncompassion fatigue symptomsand signs include:Feeling hopelessHaving a decreased ability to empathize (emotional numbness)Experiencing a sense of detachment from your surroundingsAnxietyIrritabilityPhysical symptoms, like headaches and gastrointestinal issues“Compassion fatigue often manifests subtly over time, sometimes not allowing the individual to recognize the signs. Hence, it is important to observe if emotional exhaustion, anger or irritability, difficulty concentrating, and sleeping disturbances are frequently experienced.”–Talkspace therapist Cynthia Catchings, PhD, LCSW
What is Compassion Fatigue?
Compassion fatigue, also known as secondary trauma or vicarious trauma, is the state of physical, mental, oremotional exhaustionthat occurs when you experience prolonged exposure to someone else’s suffering. It’s a common experience for family caregivers or anyone in a helping profession or position. It’s important to note that compassion fatigue is different from burnout in that fatigue is tied to the empathy and care you give people in distress, whereas burnout is generally linked to work-related stress and causes a gradual depletion of energy.
Commoncompassion fatigue symptomsand signs include:
“Compassion fatigue often manifests subtly over time, sometimes not allowing the individual to recognize the signs. Hence, it is important to observe if emotional exhaustion, anger or irritability, difficulty concentrating, and sleeping disturbances are frequently experienced.”
What is Burnout?Burnout is different from compassion fatigue. It stems from chronic workplace stress that isn’t sufficiently managed that can cause intense mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion. Unlike temporary stress, burnout is a persistent condition that impacts everything from daily motivation to connecting and dealing with work responsibilities.Unfortunately, burnout is a widespread issue across all industries and professions, withcaregiver burnoutandnurse burnoutbeing especially common. It can affect people who work in high-pressure environments as much as it does those tasked with mundane or routine jobs.Recent researchshows that most employees experience burnout at some point. In fact, an estimated 75% of U.S. employees “sometimes experience” burnout, and about 25% feel burned out either “very often” or “always.”Commonburnout symptomsand signs include:Severe physical and emotional exhaustionA growing sense of cynicism toward a job or responsibilityA noticeable decrease in on-the-job efficacyFeeling increasingly detached from responsibilitiesReduced productivityLack of accomplishment
What is Burnout?
Burnout is different from compassion fatigue. It stems from chronic workplace stress that isn’t sufficiently managed that can cause intense mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion. Unlike temporary stress, burnout is a persistent condition that impacts everything from daily motivation to connecting and dealing with work responsibilities.
Unfortunately, burnout is a widespread issue across all industries and professions, withcaregiver burnoutandnurse burnoutbeing especially common. It can affect people who work in high-pressure environments as much as it does those tasked with mundane or routine jobs.
Recent researchshows that most employees experience burnout at some point. In fact, an estimated 75% of U.S. employees “sometimes experience” burnout, and about 25% feel burned out either “very often” or “always.”
Commonburnout symptomsand signs include:
Key Differences Between Compassion Fatigue and Burnout
When you understand the differences between compassion fatigue vs burnout, you can address each condition more effectively. Both are related to stress that can cause significant physical and emotional exhaustion, but it’s essential to know the distinct causes, symptoms, and pathways to recovery. Then, you can identify, address, and avoid both and foster a healthier professional and personal environment while improving your overall well-being.
Causes
Compassion fatigue and burnout causes differ in origin. Prolonged exposure to other people’s suffering contributes to compassion fatigue. Thus, it’s something people in caregiving professions — like health care, social workers, and mental health professionals — are more prone to. The constant need to care for others who are in distress can take an emotional toll over time.
Burnout, on the other hand, is more closely related to chronic workplace stress, which can occur in any profession. It generally develops over time and results from overwhelming workloads, lack of autonomy or control, insufficient support, or intense pressure to perform. Learninghow to prevent burnoutin the workplace is crucial to maintaining long-term mental health.
Emotional impact
Compassion fatigue and burnout have different emotional impacts. When you experience compassion fatigue, it can be difficult to empathize, and you might feel emotional numbness or detached from people in need. You may experience guilt about not being able to care for others like you once did.
Burnout, on the other hand, tends to cause cynicism and frustration toward your workplace or job. You might begin to have a negative attitude about work and feel unappreciated, undervalued, or even resentful.
Behavioral symptoms
People with compassion fatigue often withdraw from social interactions or become less interested in things they once enjoyed. Some turn to unhealthy and unhelpful coping mechanisms, like substance use. Others may have a hypervigilant response that puts them in a constant state of alertness and makes it nearly impossible to relax.
Behaviors associated with burnout can include procrastination, lack of productivity, and increased absenteeism. People who are burned out often exhibit decreased performance or productivity at work, seem more irritable, and have out-of-character conflicts with coworkers or colleagues.
Physical symptoms
Both compassion fatigue and burnout have physical symptoms, but they manifest differently. The first tends to cause physical stress-related symptoms, like headaches, fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, disrupted sleep, and chronic tiredness.
Recovery and prevention
Recovering from or preventing compassion fatigue and burnout takes different strategies and coping tools. To adequately address compassion fatigue, you should practice self-care, find ways to emotionally replenish yourself, and work on setting protective boundaries.
You can and should seek support from peers, supervisors, friends, and loved ones who lift you up in your time of need. Therapy can be a crucial part of surviving compassion fatigue.
Most often,burnout recoveryrequires making definitive changes in the workplace. You should begin focusing on workload adjustments, finding support systems, and improving yourwork-life balance. To prevent burnout, you need more than just individual efforts. You must find ways to create sustainable, healthy work environments where you feel valued.
“It is important to seek peer support and create a self-care plan tailored to your needs. This includes practicing self-care, mindfulness, and talking to a mental health professional.”
Take Action: Seeking Support and Resources
Recognizing and addressing compassion fatigue and burnout early is vital to overcoming either condition. Left unchecked, both can lead to long-term emotional, physical, and mental health struggles that are more difficult to manage. The following tips can help reduce symptoms and prevent things from escalating.
Strategies that can help you deal with compassion fatigue and burnout:
Nurturing Your Well-being in High-Stress Roles
Surviving compassion fatigue and burnout isn’t always easy, but itispossible when you have the right information and help. Recognizing the signs and taking deliberate steps to manage your stress will protect you. Remember that investing in yourself isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity that allows you to continue caring for others while protecting and nurturing your own health and well-being.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek professional support. Talkspace offers convenient online therapy that’s tailored to your unique needs. It’s the first step you’ll take towards better mental health. Licensed Talkspace therapists offer flexibility so you can fit therapy into your life when, where, and how you need it. Whether you’re seeking stress management guidance or long-term therapeutic support, Talkspace can connect you with essential resources.
Contact Talkspace today to learn howonline therapycan help you overcome compassion fatigue or burnout.
Sources:
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