Ever find yourself completely drained after helping others, even when it’s something you care about?
Maybe you’re starting to feel more exhausted than energized after volunteering or comforting a friend who is going through a rough time.
Or it just seems like there’s too much to care about. It can be overwhelming to take on the suffering of others on a regular basis. That, my friend, is what we call compassion fatigue.
And yes, it’s a thing.
So, what exactly is compassion fatigue?
Compassion fatigue is the emotional and physical exhaustion that hits you after continuously caring for others, especially those who are really in need. It’s when you’ve been giving your all, day in and day out, and suddenly you’re running on fumes. You start feeling less capable, more irritable, and even question why you’re doing it all in the first place.
It’s like this: imagine your empathy is a phone battery. If you keep running your apps (aka emotions and care) without plugging it in for a charge (aka self-care), that phone will, at some point, stop working.
Same thing with your compassion. If you don’t recharge, you risk burning out.
How can you take care of you while still taking care of others?
Well, first things first, it’s crucial to know that it’s okay to step back and take care of yourself! It’s not selfish; it’s necessary. If you’re feeling drained, find ways to recharge that battery. Miami offers mental health services you can tap into—whether that’s counseling, therapy, or even support groups. Just remember: Seeking help is a power move, not a weakness.
On that note, check these out:
- Miami’s Student Counseling Services
- Other resources on campus
- 5 Things You Might Not Know about Student Counseling Services
- Self-care in College
- And of course our Health and Wellness page!
Build a Support Network—Your Team Has Your Back!
Humans are social creatures, and as much as we’d like to pretend we can go it alone, we thrive in communities. One of the best ways to avoid compassion fatigue is to foster mutually supportive relationships with your team. Whether you’re in a volunteer group, a study team, or even just a squad that regularly shows up for each other, having those connections matters.
Why not kick things off by sparking a conversation at your next meeting? Try one of these prompts to get people thinking about how they’re making a difference:
- “I made a difference this week when I…”
- “I show up every day because…”
- “Compassion is hardest when…”
Not only does this open the floor for real talk, but it also lets you reflect on your own journey of showing up for others. You might even realize that you’ve been doing more good than you give yourself credit for. And when you’re not the only one sharing, it builds trust and resilience within your group.
Final Thoughts
Compassion is amazing, but it’s not infinite—don’t let yourself run out of fuel. Prioritize your mental health, lean on your team, and keep an eye out for signs of compassion fatigue. And hey, if you ever need a recharge, remember: taking care of yourself is the best way to keep showing up for others.
Chi Truong | Class of 2026
