Compassion Fatigue affects how we show up at work, at home, and our relationships. In a recent episode of Meaningful Moments: Connecting Infant Mental Health to Early Intervention, hosts and guests explored what compassion fatigue is, how it differs from burnout, and how strengthening emotional intelligence can help providers sustain their wellbeing.
The episode titled Caring with Intention: Navigating Compassion Fatigue through Emotional Intelligence features DCHS’s Early Childhood Trainer Patricia Eitemiller , M.Ed. QMRP and Radford Professor Corey H. Cassidy, PhD, CCC-SLP , with Lisa Terry as the host.
Understanding Compassion Fatigue
According to Cassidy and Eitemiller, compassion fatigue is sometimes called secondary traumatic stress and is common among caregivers and service providers. It happens when we give so much of ourselves emotionally that our energy feels depleted. “You may still care just as much, but it suddenly feels heavier to carry.”
The presenters emphasize that compassion fatigue is different from burnout. While burnout may involve loss of care or emotional withdrawal, compassion fatigue is marked by feeling overwhelmed by empathy, connection, preoccupation with client needs, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, and even intrusive thoughts
The Role of Emotional Intelligence
A central theme of discussion was emotional intelligence, defined as the ability to recognize one’s own emotions and the emotions of others and use that awareness in decision-making.
“Emotional intelligence is something you can practice and strengthen over time,” explained Dr. Cassidy.
Strengthening emotional intelligence helps caregivers notice early signs of fatigue and take meaningful action before stress becomes chronic.
Practical Strategies for Resilience
Cassidy and Eitemiller shared several simple approaches that professionals can use in everyday life.
- Self-Reflection and Awareness: Taking time to check in with yourself, such as through journaling or quiet reflection, helps you notice feelings before they become overwhelming.
- Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Small practices like spending a few minutes outside, deep breathing, or light physical activity can boost wellbeing.
- Intentional Connection: Building supportive relationships with colleagues, friends, and family reinforces emotional resilience.
- Celebrating Small Wins: Recognizing accomplishments, even simple ones, reinforces a positive outlook and builds confidence.
- Acting With Agency: Pausing before saying “yes” to new demands. Asking “Am I agreeing because I want to or because I feel obligated?” helps preserve capacity and protect emotional energy.
A Call to Care for Caregivers
Compassion fatigue does not have to be an inevitable part of caregiving work. By developing emotional intelligence and adopting intentional practices, professionals can continue serving others while supporting their own wellbeing.
As Eitemiller shared, “Being intentional about how we connect and care for ourselves allows us to sustain care for others.”
To listen to this episode and others in the Meaningful Moments series, visit the Virginia Early Intervention Professional Development Center website or subscribe on Youtube, Spotify, or Apple podcasts.
Listen to the Meaningful Moments Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCQjRma-0n1ZsNicCeyIweSLJEMGptA_6