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2.6 Compassion Fatigue Review

Having access to information can allow for increased ability to recognize and aid those experiencing compassion fatigue.

Compassion Fatigue Review Infographic Part 1
Compassion Fatigue Review Part 1 (2025)

Image Description

This vertical infographic explains what compassion fatigue is, its signs and symptoms, causes and consequences, and includes key prevalence statistics and a brief conclusion.

Header: Compassion Fatigue
What is Compassion Fatigue?

  • Defined as a state of emotional and physical exhaustion leading to a diminished ability to empathize or feel compassion for others, often described as secondary traumatic stress.
  • Includes two small photos of individuals who appear tired or emotionally distressed.

Section: Signs and Symptoms

Organized into four colored categories:

  • Emotional Symptoms:
    • Anxiety
    • Sadness
    • Guilt
    • Irritability
  • Physical Symptoms:
    •  Fatigue
    •  Headaches
    •  Insomnia
    • Increased heart rate
  • Cognitive Symptoms:
    • Poor concentration
    • Difficulty making decisions
    • Memory issues
  • Behavioural Symptoms:
    •  Isolation
    • Poor work-life balance
    • Increased absenteeism

Section: Causes of Compassion Fatigue

  • Repeated exposure to trauma
  • High workload
  • Lack of support
  • Empathic strain

(A central image of a distressed person sitting on a hospital bed.)

Section: Consequences of Compassion Fatigue

  • Decreased job satisfaction
  • Emotional exhaustion
  • Poor job performance
  • Negative impact on patient/client care

(Icon list with arrows pointing to each consequence.)

Prevalence Statistics (Purple Boxes):

  • 70% of social workers experienced at least one symptom after working with trauma cases. (Bride et al., 2007)
  • 60% of meta-analysis participants reported moderate to high levels of compassion fatigue. (Hooper et al., 2010)

Conclusion:

  • Compassion fatigue is a significant challenge in helping professions.
  • It affects emotional, physical, cognitive, and behavioural health.
  • Early recognition, support, and strategies for self-care are essential in preventing and managing its effects.

(Quote source: Giannetta et al., 2020)

The infographic is presented in a clean, structured layout with calming purple, blue, and pastel colour blocks, supported by icons, images, and data visuals to enhance understanding.

Compassion Fatigue Review Infographic Part 2
Compassion Fatigue Review Part 2 (2025)

Image Description

This infographic provides an overview of compassion fatigue, its prevalence, effective coping strategies, and organizational recommendations for prevention and support.

Header: Compassion Fatigue

Subheading: Prevention and Coping Strategies

Definition:
Compassion fatigue is described as emotional and physical exhaustion from prolonged exposure to others’ suffering. It often affects individuals in caregiving professions such as healthcare workers, social workers, and first responders. It can lead to reduced empathy, burnout, and a decline in quality of care.
(Sources: Gustafsson & Hemberg, 2022; Garnett et al., 2023)

Section: Prevalence and Impact

Includes three circular icons with statistics:

  1. 70% – A study showed that 70% of social workers experienced at least one symptom of compassion fatigue. (Bride, 2007)
  2. 85% – Among emergency nurses, 85% reported compassion fatigue symptoms. (Young et al., 2011)
  3. 60% – A meta-analysis found 60% of participants reported moderate to high levels of compassion fatigue. (Hooper et al., 2010)

(Sources: Condrey & Halmova, 2022; Butler Center for Research, 2021; Campbell, 2022)

Section: Effective Interventions

Three colour-coded blocks explain intervention strategies:

  • Self-Care Practices (Yellow):
    Regular self-care (e.g., exercise, healthy eating, rest, and emotional boundaries) helps prevent compassion fatigue. (Lipsa, Rajkumar, Gopi, & Romate, 2024)
  • Organizational Support (Teal):
    Organizations should foster environments that support mental well-being and provide resources for stress management. (Patole, Pawale, & Rath, 2024)
  • Professional Development (Blue):
    Training and workshops on recognizing and managing compassion fatigue can prepare workers to manage stress effectively. (University of Central Florida, n.d.)

Section: Recommendations for Organizations

  1. Emotional Support (Purple Box):
    Offer counseling services and peer support programs to help workers process their experiences and reduce isolation. (SAMHSA, 2024)
  2. Adequate Staffing and Rest (Orange Box):
    Maintain appropriate staffing levels and ensure regular breaks to avoid burnout and sustain care quality. (Lane & Waegemakers Schiff, 2016)

Visual Style:
The infographic uses a clean and colourful layout, including photos of emotional exhaustion, caregiving, and comforting gestures. Bright colour blocks help distinguish each strategy and section. Designed to inform care providers and organizations about addressing compassion fatigue

Compassion Fatigue Review Infographic Part 3

Compassion Fatigue Review Part 3 (2025)

Image Description

This infographic visually and textually presents the four progressive stages of compassion fatigue using cartoon illustrations and descriptive labels.

Stage 1: Active and Committed

  • Depicted by a happy person raising their hands.
  • Key traits:
    • Ready to change the world
    • Putting in extra hours
    • High level of empathy
    • Actively involved

Stage 2: Becoming Irritable

  • The image shows a frustrated person clenching their teeth.
  • Key traits:
    • Frustration with the system
    • Distancing from clients
    • Tips: Get moving, Talk to a friend

Stage 3: Withdrawal

  • Depiction of a sad, tired individual with their head in their hand.
  • Key traits:
    • Clients begin to feel like a burden
    • Decline in warmth and passion
    • Changes in tone, cadence, and overall professionalism

Stage 4: Fatigue Turns Zombie

  • Shows a person looking emotionally numb or robotic.
  • Key traits:
    • Disconnected
    • On autopilot
    • Loss of joy
    • Significant physical and emotional changes

Design Notes:

  • Bold, playful cartoon style with a red background and light blue border.
  • Blue and white text boxes highlight key ideas, while black and red emphasize transitions and emotional states.
  • Icons and characters visually represent emotional progression from energetic to emotionally exhausted.

This infographic effectively illustrates how compassion fatigue develops in caregiving professionals, serving as an awareness and early intervention tool.

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Shifting Perspectives: Insights into Mental Health and Homelessness Copyright © 2025 by Fanshawe College Field Placement Students is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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