Working in the healthcare industry is often emotionally and physically grueling. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff work long hours with few breaks, leading to both mental and physical exhaustion. With all the stress that goes along with healthcare professions, it’s not a surprise that burnout is a common problem in the field.

Burnout isn’t the only stress-related problem that can develop for healthcare workers, however. Compassion fatigue, which shares some of the same symptoms of burnout, is a common problem that can drive people to leave the field or develop mental health problems.

Compassion fatigue and burnout are both serious problems, but they aren’t interchangeable. Anyone who works in healthcare should know the difference between the two and what signs to watch out for in themselves and in others. Here’s what you need to know about burnout vs. compassion fatigue.

What is Burnout?

Burnout is an issue that is often brought on by chronic stress in the workplace. It comes on gradually, causes exhaustion on multiple levels (emotional, mental, and/or physical), and can result in problems like depression. People who become burned out at work typically are doing too much and may lack autonomy, support, or control in their jobs. Most people with burnout don’t have opportunities to rest and recharge and often feel that what they’re doing is not aligned with their values or interests.

People experiencing burnout usually feel tired and lethargic, and can be irritable. Anger and cynicism are also common symptoms of burnout. Burnout is often associated with feeling like what you do doesn’t matter. Experiencing stress at work is normal, but when chronic stress feels like it will never get better, it can be a symptom of burnout.

What is Compassion Fatigue?

Compassion fatigue occurs mainly in professions where people experience secondhand trauma on a daily basis. Healthcare workers, social workers, lawyers, and people in other professions that involve working closely with people going through difficult situations are all at risk of developing compassion fatigue. The issue can affect a person’s quality of life overall, in addition to having a negative impact on their performance at work.

Symptoms of compassion fatigue can include exhaustion, feeling numb to stories of trauma or being unable to feel empathy, depression, problems sleeping, negativity, irritability, and depersonalization at work. Compassion fatigue can come on very quickly, depending on the person and the kinds of situations they face on a regular basis. Some people with compassion fatigue also suffer from burnout.

Working with people who have experienced significant trauma can quickly cause compassion fatigue. The impact of hearing stories of trauma and seeing the results of traumatic experiences affects the emotional and mental well-being of people who are providing help and care.

What are the Differences?

Burnout is a more generalized, long-term reaction to chronic stress, poor work conditions, and a lack of alignment or satisfaction with one’s work. Compassion fatigue, on the other hand, is specific to people experiencing secondhand trauma.

Many people with compassion fatigue experience symptoms that overlap with burnout, which can make it difficult to distinguish between the two. Some people experience both problems simultaneously.

Look Out for Signs of Trouble

Healthcare workers have experienced a lot of compassion fatigue since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you work in the field, it’s important to look out for signs of burnout and compassion fatigue in yourself and your colleagues.

Take a moment to check in with yourself regularly. Are you still feeling connected to your patients? Are you struggling to feel empathy? Are you tired all the time?

Early symptoms of burnout or compassion fatigue can indicate that you need more rest and self-care. You might also need to re-focus on why your job is important and what you’re doing to help others. Sometimes, the impact of secondhand trauma can overshadow the satisfaction people get from helping others.

Check-in with your colleagues if they seem especially tired, withdrawn, or irritable. Their work performance might suffer and they might start showing signs of depression. Be kind and understanding when asking about compassion fatigue—many people get defensive or upset when approached about these issues. One good way to approach it is to create a “buddy system” for you and your colleagues to proactively support one another.

Preventing Compassion Fatigue

Addressing burnout and compassion fatigue can be extremely difficult. It can be hard to find your spark and passion for your work again once you’ve developed the exhaustion and mental health effects of these common issues.

Whenever possible, it’s always better to prevent problems than it is to fix them. Healthcare workers who develop compassion fatigue might not be able to provide quality, safe care to patients and their performance is likely to suffer. It’s better to prevent these consequences with lifestyle changes and self-care instead of letting the problem get out of hand before addressing it.

Being aware of the potential for developing compassion fatigue is the first step. Taking time for yourself so you can relax and recharge is also important. Most people find that exercise, journaling, “unplugging,” meditating, and making time for friends and family are all important for preventing compassion fatigue and burnout. A healthy lifestyle, appropriate boundaries between work and home life, and giving yourself the space to process will all help.

Preventing compassion fatigue is an ongoing effort that should be a top priority for all healthcare workers. Pouring all your energy and compassion into your work might seem like the right thing to do, but you’ll end up losing your ability to care for others as effectively as you want.

You’ll also end up compromising your mental health and well-being, which could affect your health and happiness, and might even cause you to leave a field you’re passionate about.

Recovering from Burnout or Compassion Fatigue

Recovering from compassion fatigue or burnout can be a long process. However, you should start the process as soon as you notice symptoms, as it will be easier to address in the early stages. Talking to a mental health professional, making lifestyle changes, and getting support from friends and family can all help. Most of all, it’s important to prioritize yourself and ensure that you’re getting enough rest.

Take care of yourself, and watch out for signs of compassion fatigue in others. In healthcare, it’s not possible to eliminate stress or avoid secondhand trauma in the workplace. That’s why it’s so important to do what you can to support yourself and others in preventing and recovering from compassion fatigue and burnout.