Signs of Burnout and Compassion Fatigue in First Responders
Burnout and compassion fatigue are common, often overlooked challenges for first responders. While they’re not the same, they often show up together and can deeply affect your well-being, relationships, and performance on the job.
Burnout is the emotional and physical exhaustion that builds from chronic stress, long hours, and unrelenting demands. You might feel numb, drained, irritable, or like you're just going through the motions.
Compassion fatigue is a type of secondary trauma that comes from constant exposure to others' pain and suffering. It can feel like you’ve lost your ability to care, even when you want to.
Why These Things Happen in First Responders
First responders are wired to help others, often putting their own needs last. Over time, witnessing trauma, carrying others’ emergencies, and facing life-or-death decisions can take a serious toll. Add in lack of sleep, missed family time, and the pressure to appear strong, and it’s easy to see why many first responders hit a breaking point.
Burnout and compassion fatigue may show up in your life as:
- Trouble sleeping or feeling rested
- Emotional numbness or quick tempers
- Feeling hopeless, cynical, or disconnected
- Pulling away from your partner or family
- Questioning your purpose or motivation
- Physical symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, or exhaustion
- Dreading work, even if you once loved it
Why Talking Helps
You don’t have to “tough it out” alone. Working with a first responder therapist—someone who understands the culture, the language, and the weight of the job—can help you feel seen, heard, and supported. Therapy offers space to decompress, understand what you're carrying, and start to feel like yourself again.
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time to talk with a first responder therapist who can help. Reach out today to get started.