Compassion Fatigue VS Burnout

Compassion fatigue has similar symptoms to burnout so how do you differentiate one from the other?

Compassion fatigue relates to absorbing the trauma and emotional stresses of others, which can then create a secondary traumatic stress response in the individual. It is the emotional residue which builds up through exposure of working with those suffering from the consequences of traumatic events. If we don't have clear ways of protecting ourselves emotionally, prolonged exposure from listening to clients’ traumatic stories can increase susceptibility to compassion fatigue and is not always easily identifiable.

In contrast, Burnout relates to being ‘worn out’ from over doing, over giving or not having enough self-care practices in place. Burnout can affect any person in any profession. The impacts of burnout emerge gradually over time and are easily linked to stressors within ones work and personal life. Things that inspire passion, drive and enthusiasm are stripped away as tedious, unpleasant thoughts take over.

In summary, the differentiating factors between these two stresses are

• Burnout emerges over time from over doing, over working, and lacking balance in daily life
• Compassion fatigue related to our interactions with others, and not having balance in the responsibility we take on for concerns about their issues. If identified and managed early, compassion fatigue has a faster recovery time.

Early triggers for Burnout

• Work longer hours
• Not delegating or taking breaks
• Don’t say no
• Bottle up feelings and don't talk about things
• Procrastinate and avoidance
• Be a perfectionist
• Take work home
• Take on issues
• Stop doing hobbies

Self assess

Use this tool as a means for self assessment of burnout and compassion fatigue.

A key way to prevent burnout is through creating balance and overall wellbeing in your daily life, or by practising more self care.

read next

Wellbeing and inner balance

Self Care & Emotional Support Strategies