You’re tired—but it’s more than that. You care deeply—but lately, even that feels exhausting. Sound familiar? You might be experiencing burnout or compassion fatigue.
In honour of Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s shed some light on these two very human, very common experiences—especially among caregivers, healthcare workers, educators, and anyone who holds emotional space for others.
Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by chronic stress—especially in work environments. It often looks like:
- Constant fatigue, no matter how much rest you get
- Feeling detached or cynical about your job or responsibilities
- Reduced performance or motivation
- Irritability or difficulty concentrating
Compassion fatigue, sometimes called “the cost of caring,” is more specific. It happens when you’ve been deeply empathetic for a long time and your emotional reserves begin to run low. Common signs include:
- Feeling numb or disconnected from others’ suffering
- Increased anxiety, sadness, or helplessness
- Trouble feeling joy or empathy
- Withdrawing socially or feeling emotionally overloaded
Both can sneak up quietly—and both are signals, not failures.
If this resonates, know that recovery is possible. The first step is naming what’s happening. The next is giving yourself permission to step back, set boundaries, and replenish your own well-being. That might look like:
- Saying “no” more often (and meaning it)
- Prioritizing rest, movement, and nourishment
- Reconnecting with joy and creativity, even in small ways
- Talking to a therapist who can support your healing and reset
You can’t pour from an empty cup—but you can refill it. And sometimes, the most compassionate thing you can do is turn that care inward.
If burnout or compassion fatigue are showing up in your life, let’s talk. You’re not alone—and support is closer than you think.