2.5 Preventing Compassion Fatigue in Helping Professions
Engaging in various activities and encouraging replenishment of personal energy stores may assist in reducing compassion fatigue.
Compassion Fatigue Prevention (2025).
Image Description
This infographic provides tips, warning signs, and strategies to prevent compassion fatigue, with a strong emphasis on self-care and resilience.
Header: Preventing Compassion Fatigue 101
“The #1 thing you can do to prevent compassion fatigue is self-care. The purpose is to build resilience.” (Paiva-Salisbury & Schwanz, 2022)
Section: Know the Signs Before It’s Too Late
Warning Signs (in pink text):
- Loss of interest
- Irritability or faulting others; withdrawal behaviours
- Reduction in self-worth
- Unrealistic expectations
- Diminished sense of joy
- Feelings of incompetence
- Feelings of powerlessness
- Habitual lateness
- Unhealthy coping mechanisms
(CAMH, n.d.)
Visuals:
- Cartoon family illustration (Australian Self-Care Alliance, 2024)
- “Self-care isn’t selfish” heart graphic (Eman, n.d.)
- “Self-Care Checklist” graphic includes:
- Drink water
- Plan fun time
- Deep breath
- Read book
- Do workout
- Help someone
- Walk
- Smile
(Strategic Services Group, 2024)
Section: Tips to Prevent Compassion Fatigue
Five Tips (in teal blue text):
- Move your body daily.
- Spend time alone to recharge.
- Get creative with your hobby.
- Treat yourself with small gestures.
- Sleep well.
(Bueckert, 2021)
Quotes and Imagery:
- Aromatherapy/spa image representing relaxation (Wholesome Culture, 2022)
- Illustrated image of a person wearing a face mask (Azhar, A., 2021)
- Photo of a smiling person hugging themselves, suggesting self-care (Bueckert, 2021)
Footer Quote:
“We can increase our own psychological well-being through education, connecting with peers, and seeking supervision.” (Paiva-Salisbury & Schwanz, 2022)
The infographic uses a calming aesthetic with soft paper texture, encouraging self-compassion and early intervention through visual and textual guidance.
Many Canadians spend a significant amount of time at work, and creating a positive, productive environment that supports mental health is vital. Lack of adequate support for mental health leads to economic impacts. Approximately 30 percent of short- and long-term disability claims in Canada are attributed to mental health issues, and the costs associated with mental health concerns are upwards of $50 billion annually (MHCC, n.d.).
Let’s Watch
Please watch the following video from the Mental Health Commission of Canada to better understand the importance of mental health in the workplace:
Video: “National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (the Standard)” by MHCC CSMC [2:35] is licensed under the Standard YouTube License.Transcript and closed captions available on YouTube.
Video: “Prevention || Rachel Fex” by Rachel B [5:40] is licensed under the Standard YouTube License.Transcript and closed captions available on YouTube.
Prevention of Compassion Fatigue Slideshow (Canva) by Grazietta Doe.
