What is compassion fatigue?

Compassion fatigue refers to the emotional exhaustion and distress that can result from repeated exposure to the suffering and trauma of others. It is particularly common in professions that require individuals to provide care or support, such as healthcare workers, social workers, and first responders. This condition arises when caregivers are constantly engaged with those in pain, leading to a decrease in their ability to empathize and connect with others, which can impact their emotional well-being and job performance.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe compassion fatigue. A positive emotional state from helping others does not encapsulate the exhaustion or distress that characterizes compassion fatigue. Emotional strain from excessive self-care is not a recognized concept associated with compassion fatigue; rather, self-care is generally a method to counteract it. Physical tiredness due to job demands, while it may occur in high-stress occupations, does not specifically capture the emotional component that defines compassion fatigue. Thus, emotional exhaustion from repeated exposure to suffering best aligns with the essence of compassion fatigue.