Published: September 29, 2025
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If you care for a loved one, you likely support them day in and day out, helping to relieve suffering. While this work can be very rewarding, it can also affect your emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioral health in the form of compassion fatigue.
Learn more about compassion fatigue, so you can recognize the signs and protect your long-term health.
What is compassion fatigue?
Compassion fatigue, also known as secondary stress reaction or secondhand shock, develops when you experience the effects of trauma as a result of helping others and being intimately immersed in their pain. Although some symptoms overlap, it’s important to note that it differs from burnout. For instance, compassion fatigue tends to happen suddenly, while burnout builds over time.
Compassion fatigue often affects caregivers who heal or help others, such as medical professionals, legal professionals, first responders, and therapists. Anyone can have compassion fatigue, but you’re at a higher risk if you regularly experience the trauma, pain, and suffering of others.
It’s also common among family caregivers, especially if a loved one is seriously ill or receiving hospice care, since this work comes with a lot of stress and uncertainty. It’s also very emotional. If you lose compassion, it doesn’t mean you don’t care. You may just be overwhelmed. There are plenty of ways to prevent compassion fatigue and restore your desire to help.
Signs of compassion fatigue
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), one sign of compassion fatigue is a sharp decrease in sympathy or empathy toward others.
You may feel:
- Detached, numb, or withdrawn
- Helpless about your loved one’s suffering
- Less sensitive to your loved one’s needs
- Overwhelmed or exhausted by caregiving
Other signs of compassion fatigue include:
- Addiction
- Anxiety or depression
- Changes in appetite or digestion
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Issues with productivity
- Mood swings
- Uncharacteristic or sudden tiredness
Coping strategies for compassion fatigue
You may be around people, events, or environments that trigger compassion fatigue. The first step to coping with this condition is recognizing the signs, says the American Psychological Association. It’s important to know when triggers interfere with your thoughts, mood, and well-being in your day-to-day life.
The following strategies can help when you experience chronic stress because of caregiving.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness can be a helpful exercise, both during and after the time you spend with your loved one. It involves being aware of your thoughts and feelings and how they affect you. When you’re aware of anxious feelings, you can respond accordingly. For example, deep, slow breaths may help you calm down in the moment.
Many people with compassion fatigue start to feel out of control. During these times, it helps to remember what you can control to refocus your attention.
Focus on self-care and healthy habits
Self-care for caregivers is incredibly important. Identify what you need to do to take care of yourself, so you’re available to continue caring for others. You may spend more time eating well, drinking enough water, sleeping more, exercising, meditating, or getting a massage.
Take a break
When you feel stressed or overwhelmed, you may need a break from your stressors. If you’re able, take some time away and turn to meaningful activities you enjoy. It also helps to take breaks from the news and being online when you’re able.
Find support from others
The most important thing to remember about compassion fatigue is that you’re not alone. You also don’t have to resolve it by yourself. Talking with friends, family, or even a peer support group can help. Professionals like therapists, psychiatrists, and trauma professionals are also available to support you through this rewarding-but-difficult time.
If you need help taking care of yourself or your loved one, Traditions Health is here. Contact us to learn about ways we support patients and caregivers.