Finding Relief from Burnout & Compassion Fatigue

By Charlotte Mah (with Colleen Franklin)

You’re Not Alone

If you’ve been feeling worn out, physically, emotionally, or even spiritually, you’re not alone. Burnout and compassion fatigue are all too common in our fast-paced lives, and they deserve real attention, not just a quick fix. This post is for anyone who’s been pushing through, but still feeling stuck. Take a deep breath, settle in, and we'll get into it together.

A Conversation About Burnout

Recently, I sat down with Colleen Franklin, a Registered Clinical Counsellor, to talk openly about something we’ve both experienced personally and see daily with our clients: burnout and compassion fatigue. We dug into what these conditions actually look and feel like, and why they so often go unaddressed.

What Does Burnout Really Look Like?

Burnout isn’t just about being tired. It’s a deep, persistent exhaustion that affects your mind, body, and spirit. You might notice feeling emotionally drained, having trouble concentrating, or finding that your motivation has vanished for things that once mattered to you. Burnout can also show up as physical symptoms, like headaches, body aches, or digestive issues.

Compassion fatigue, often experienced by caregivers and helping professionals, can feel similar, but with an added layer of emotional numbness, almost as if you’ve “run out” of the ability to care, even for those you love.

Underlying Causes: More Than Just Stress

We discussed how people-pleasing, unresolved trauma, and poor boundaries often set the stage for burnout. Saying “yes” too often, not recognizing your own limits, or trying to fix everything for everyone else can quietly erode your energy reserves. Trauma, whether past or present, can also make it harder for your nervous system to relax and recover.

Your Nervous System in Survival Mode

When you’re burnt out, your nervous system can get stuck in “survival mode” (commonly known as fight, flight, or freeze). This means your body is constantly on high alert, even when there’s no real emergency. It’s exhausting, and it can make healing feel impossible.

Tools and Rituals for Healing

Colleen and I shared practical tools and rituals that have helped us, and our clients, recover and regulate. These included mindfulness practices, gentle movement, setting clear boundaries, and learning to listen deeply to what our bodies need. Small, daily self-care habits can build over time into powerful resilience.

Want to learn more?

Watch our full conversation here:

If you’re feeling stuck, or know someone who is, I hope this conversation offers a new way to look at what’s happening, and a little relief. Please feel free to share it with anyone who might benefit.

Healing isn’t always quick or linear, but it’s always possible. You’ve got this. And remember, it’s okay to ask for help.