Ep. 52: Internal Risk Factors for Compassion Fatigue

Last week, we explored the external risk factors of compassion fatigue—the systems, environments, and conditions surrounding animal welfare work. This week, we turn inward. Compassion fatigue doesn’t just come from what you’re exposed to, it’s also shaped by who you are: your personality, your experiences, and the traits that likely drew you to this work in the first place. This episode takes an honest look at the internal factors that can increase vulnerability to compassion fatigue, without blame or shame.  We talk about: Why empathy and compassion are both essential traits as well as risk factors The difference between empathy fatigue and compassion fatigue How being other-directed can quietly lead to self-neglect The impact of tying your identity and self-worth to your work What it means to be a highly sensitive person (HSP) in animal welfare How past trauma can both motivate and increase vulnerability Why compassion fatigue develops through the interaction of internal and external factors Resources & Links Listen to last week’s episode on external risk factors Sign up for my free monthly newsletter for tips on managing compassion fatigue