Feeling Exhausted, Unmotivated, or Just "Over It"? Let's Talk Burnout & Compassion Fatigue!
Ever feel like your energy is running on low battery mode? Maybe you're snappy, struggling to focus, or just not enjoying the things you used to. You want to show up as your best self, but something feels off. Sound familiar? You might be dealing with burnout or compassion fatigue. Don’t be alarmed because trust me, you're not alone.
Burnout: When You’re Running on Empty
Burnout happens when you're mentally or physically drained, like you're constantly on autopilot without the opportunity to properly rest and bounce back. It’s that feeling of being overworked, overwhelmed, and just DONE, often leaving you feeling unmotivated and uninterested. Whether you’re a professional, a caregiver, juggling numerous responsibilities, burnout doesn’t discriminate.
Signs of burnout:
• Constant exhaustion, no matter how much you rest
• Zero motivation, even for things you once loved
• Feeling disconnected or cynical about work/life
Compassion Fatigue: When Caring Becomes Too Much
Ever found yourself emotionally drained from always being there for others? Maybe you’re in a helping profession, a caregiver, or just the go-to person in your circle. Compassion fatigue is that deep exhaustion that comes from absorbing other people’s struggles, making it hard to feel the same level of care or connection.
Signs of compassion fatigue:
• Feeling emotionally numb or detached
• Increased sadness, irritability, or anxiety
• Guilt for not being able to “do more”
• Avoiding situations where people might need you
Why Women Face More Burnout & Compassion Fatigue—And How to Break the Cycle
Women experience burnout and compassion fatigue more often than men, and it’s not just a coincidence. It’s the result of emotional labor, societal expectations, gender roles, and the pressure to "do it all." What makes it worse is when we compare women to other women. Let's be honest for a moment—the world our mothers and grandmothers lived in is not the same as the world we navigate today. The roles, expectations, and challenges women face have changed, and what worked for previous generations may not work the same way now. Comparing yourself to women from a different time only adds unnecessary pressure. Instead of trying to fit into outdated molds, let's make space for new definitions of success, balance, and self-care that reflect the realities of our lives today.
Why Does This Happen?
• Women carry the emotional load—managing feelings, relationships, and caregiving, often without recognition.
• The “Superwoman” mindset pushes women to overwork, overachieve, and put themselves last.
• Helping professions (healthcare, education, social work)—where burnout is high—are mostly filled by women.
• Household responsibilities are still unequal, even when both partners work full-time.
• Saying "no" feels wrong, thanks to societal conditioning that tells women to be selfless.
• Culture can also play a role. Ever found yourself putting everyone else’s needs before your own because that’s what you were taught? Many cultures emphasize self-sacrifice, caregiving, and putting family first, which can make setting boundaries or prioritizing self-care feel selfish or wrong—even when you're running on empty.
• In some cultures, women are expected to be the primary caretakers, managing households, children, and even extended family, often while working outside the home. The pressure to "hold everything together" can lead to chronic stress, guilt, and exhaustion, making burnout and compassion fatigue even more common.
• And what's worse? When women judge other women.
How to Break the Cycle
• Normalize rest—you don’t have to earn self-care.
• Set boundaries—your energy is valuable; protect it.
• Share the load—you don’t have to do everything alone.
• Challenge unrealistic expectations—you are enough, just as you are.
Burnout and compassion fatigue are real, but so is recovery. It starts with recognizing that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary because when you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to take care of others.
Take a moment to reach out to the women in your life, express your gratitude for all the hard work they do, and offer your support when you can. A small gesture of appreciation can go a long way in showing how much they’re valued.
תגובות