Protection fatigue and compassion fatigue are not exactly the same thing, but they are closely linked and often appear together, especially in contexts of care, listening and welcoming.
Protection fatigue is a type of psychological exhaustion that affects people who dedicate themselves to protecting others – especially children, young people or vulnerable people – and who, throughout this process, face constant resistance, devaluation or blame. It is common among professionals who act ethically and responsibly, but who are systematically discredited, judged or isolated by colleagues, institutions or society itself. It arises when someone lives in a state of permanent alert, trying to avoid harm, even when they do not find external support.
Compassion fatigue is the emotional exhaustion caused by continuous exposure to the suffering of others. It especially affects those who frequently hear reports of pain, trauma, abuse or violence, and feel that they need to always be available, strong and welcoming.
Symptoms of protection fatigue include emotional exhaustion, feelings of powerlessness, responsibility overload, and fear of failure. Those who suffer from compassion fatigue may experience apathy, emotional detachment, irritability, a feeling of emptiness and difficulty feeling empathy.
Although they are distinct, these fatigues can coexist. This happens when someone is constantly protecting and, at the same time, welcoming pain and suffering. The emotional impact is profound – and often invisible. Some contexts are especially vulnerable to these experiences. Protection fatigue can arise, for example, in a pediatrician who reports suspected child abuse and is ignored or criticized, in a social worker accused of “overreacting” when trying to protect a child, or in a teacher who addresses sexuality issues responsibly and is attacked by parents or the school. Compassion fatigue is common, for example, among nurses who
they accompany cancer patients or those in emergency settings, therapists who intervene in cases of family violence, or even priests who listen, in confession, to reports of abuse and deep suffering.
Dealing with these fatigues requires care. It is essential to recognize exhaustion as legitimate, and not as a weakness, and accept one’s own limits, understanding that it is not possible to save everyone, but that it is possible to be present with dignity. Creating support networks, involving colleagues, supervisors or groups that share the same values, can also alleviate the emotional burden. It is also important to practice self-care strategies, whether through rest, silence, art, prayer or therapy, trying to preserve emotional health. Documenting actions and decisions also helps to protect yourself institutionally. Finally, it is important to reaffirm the purpose to increase motivation (remember why you chose to care, protect and act with integrity) and train to share, empowering others so that responsibility is collective.
These fatigues are not a sign of weakness. They are a sign of courage.
Those who protect, listen and welcome – even when it is very difficult – support the pillars of a more just and protective society.