Compassion fatigue: the challenge to care for yourself when you care for others.
[Image Description: A beautiful woman with coiled dark brown hair, purple singlet and denim over shirt, holds a mug and is looking into the distance, thoughtfully.]
In sectors centred around care and support, such as the NDIS, compassion is at the heart of everything.
But this constant giving and supporting can come at a cost, known as compassion fatigue. It’s a form of emotional exhaustion that happens when caregivers, always focused on others’ wellbeing, start to feel drained, detached and even, overwhelmed.
Unlike regular stress, compassion fatigue is unique to people in helping professions, where empathy and care are continuously required.
What NDIS Providers are contending with
For NDIS Service Providers, the pressure to always ‘be there’ for clients is enormous. You often find yourself taking on the emotional weight of those you support, sometimes without even realising it. While caring for others is a deeply fulfilling role, it can sometimes blur the boundaries between professional and personal life. Many providers adopt the ‘she’ll be right’ attitude, believing they just need to push through the tough days. But ignoring your own mental health needs in favour of ‘just getting on with it’ can quickly lead to burnout, stress, and ultimately, compassion fatigue.
Recognising the signs of compassion fatigue is the first step towards protecting your mental health. If you find yourself feeling emotionally drained, disconnected from clients, or struggling to find joy in your work, it’s time to reassess. Understanding your own limits and boundaries is a vital part of selfcare. Your wellbeing matters just as much as the people you care for, and protecting it will make you a better provider in the long run.
How to switch off after a shift
Switching off, or even, switching gears (we still want to be ‘on’ for the people we care about at home) after a long, emotionally taxing shift can feel nearly impossible, but establishing clear routines and boundaries can help you reset and separate your work from your personal life. Here are a few tips and ideas to help manage the emotional load of a caring job:
Create a post-work ritual. Having a clear and set ritual after work can help your mind (and body) recognise that it’s time to switch gears. This might be as simple as taking a walk after your shift, having a cup of tea or listening to calm music or a podcast on the way home. The key is to find something you do every time you finish work to signal the transition from work mode to home mode.
Mindfulness or meditation. I nearly didn’t put this idea in - if I had a dollar for every person who told me to meditate to deal with stress, I would not have financial stress, that’s for sure! I’ve tried it, and sometimes it does the trick, other times it’s just not enough to get out of my head and clear the slate. Mindfulness, however, has been a revelation. Essentially, doing something you enjoy that you throw your whole presence into - being mindful - is a really helpful way to be in your body, in the present moment and appreciate your current surroundings. Kind of like meditation but ‘doing’ something. For me, it’s chopping vegetables with great care and creating a mise en place for the evening meal. Feeling accomplished and prepared for the next task. Running and playing sport are also great things I enjoy doing that don’t allow my mind to wander and also get the blood pumping at the same time for all the feel-good endorphins.
Set boundaries with yourself and your clients. Establish clear boundaries between your work and personal life. That might mean not checking emails or messages after a certain time or saying no to extra shifts (even if there’s no one else!) when you’re already feeling drained. Respecting your own limits isn’t selfish - it’s essential for long-term wellbeing.
Physical activity. Physical activity - notice how we didn’t say ‘exercise’ - can act as an emotional release. Whether it’s a gentle yoga session, a walk or a more intense workout or game of sport, moving your body in a way that works for you helps to discharge pent up emotions and stress. Even 10 minutes of stretching can help reset your body after a long day.
Journaling. This might not be for everyone, but journaling can be really useful in helping you to articulate hard emotions or how you’re feeling, acknowledge them and then leave them on the page. It also gives you some space to reflect on what went well, what was tough and any emotions that you’ve brought home with you from work. It can also help you identify patterns of feelings or emotions and help you manage them in the future.
Talk about it. Try not to bottle things up. Whether it’s a trusted colleague, a friend or a mental health professional, talking through your feelings can offer much needed relief. Having someone to share your experiences with reminds you that you don’t have to carry the emotional weight alone.
Prioritise selfcare and your mental health will benefit
Caring industries, like the NDIS sector, are full of people who are passionate about making a difference, but it’s easy to forget that caring for yourself is just as important as caring for others. Compassion fatigue is real, and it’s a massive signal that is telling you that the emotional toll of your work needs to be managed in a healthy way.
Establishing boundaries, creating post-work routines and mindfulness are just a few ways to regain control of your emotional load. You deserve to be supported, balanced and healthy - not just for your sake, but also for the people that rely on you.
Make yourself and your mental health a priority and everyone will be better off. Share your experiences, tips and stories in the Providers Only community of Kinora.
