Caregiving
Caregiving is an act of compassion and dedication for those we love – but it can often come at a price, from caregiver burnout to compassion fatigue. Discover strategies to best care for others and yourself during your caregiving journey.
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Caregiver burnout vs. compassion fatigue: What’s the difference?
Being a caregiver is deeply rewarding — but it can also be incredibly draining. Many caregivers experience caregiver burnout, a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. Others may face compassion fatigue, a related but distinct form of emotional stress that comes from prolonged exposure to others’ suffering.
In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between caregiver burnout and compassion fatigue, how to spot the warning signs, and practical strategies to manage caregiver stress and protect your well-being.
Do You Have Caregiver Burnout?
I was a family caregiver and mother for over six years, raising two children while also caring for aging parents. My husband was the primary caregiver for his divorced mother during this same period. Together, we witnessed our parents endure stage 4 lung cancer, COPD, diabetes, mobility issues, and more. Our many competing roles sometimes meant we could barely keep our heads above water.
12 tips for long-distance caregivers
About the author: Elizabeth B. Miller is a family caregiver, Certified Caregiving Consultant, and founder of Happy Healthy Caregiver.
Preventing caregiver burnout through social support
About the author: Kasley Killam, MPH is the founder of Social Health Labs, where she partners with cross-sector organizations on local, state, and national initiatives to reduce loneliness and improve social well-being. She holds a master’s from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health.