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Compassion fatigue in activists refers to the emotional and psychological exhaustion experienced by some individuals involved in sustained advocacy and social justice efforts. It is a subset of the well-researched broader concept of compassion fatigue, which describes the emotional strain of exposure to suffering, often studied in caregiving professions such as nursing or counselling. Activists face unique challenges due to the nature of their work, which frequently involves prolonged engagement with systemic injustices, human suffering, and entrenched societal issues. These pressures can lead to emotional detachment, burnout, and a reduced capacity to sustain their efforts (Boeckenhoff, 2021).

Activists often dedicate significant time and energy to addressing societal, environmental, or political challenges. Their work is usually fuelled by empathy and a desire for change, but sustained exposure to distressing realities can erode their emotional resilience. Compassion fatigue in activists manifests as emotional exhaustion, diminished empathy, and detachment from the cause. While similar to burnout in some regards, which arises from overwork or chronic stress, compassion fatigue is distinct in its roots (Potter et al., 2010). It emerges more specifically from empathising with the suffering of others. Compared to the inability to cope with the environment and continuous physical and mental demands experienced by those with burnout, compassion fatigue often carries a moral or ethical weight. Activists may struggle with feelings of guilt or inadequacy if they perceive their efforts as insufficient to address the scale of the problem.

The concept of compassion fatigue was first identified in caregiving professions during the 1990s by Charles Figley, who described it as the "cost of caring" for others, in the field of traumatology (Figley, 1995; Figley, 2002). Later Carla Joinson introduced this concept into literature, whilst describing how repeated exposure to patient emergencies had a negative effect on hospital nurses (Joinson, 1992). The implications of this are desensitisation to other's needs, which may influence a healthcare professional's ability to help future patients. While early research focused on healthcare providers and therapists, the rise of global activism in the 21st century has broadened its relevance (Moeller, 2018). Movements like the climate crisis, refugee advocacy, and gender and racial justice, have drawn attention to the psychological toll of activism, highlighting the need to address compassion fatigue among those engaged in these efforts (Martin, 2015; Vaccaro & Mena, 2011).

Compassion fatigue in activists shares core symptoms with those seen in caregivers but is shaped by the activist context:

• Emotional Exhaustion: Persistent feelings of being overwhelmed by the enormity of the issues being addressed (Eckert & Broadhurst, 2023).
• Cynicism and Frustration: A growing sense of futility or disillusionment with advocacy work.
• Desensitisation: Emotional numbness or detachment from the suffering of others as a defence mechanism to reduce distress.
• Helplessness and Self-Doubt: A perception that one’s contributions are inadequate or insignificant in the face of systemic problems.

These symptoms can develop gradually and may go unrecognised, as activists often view their emotional struggles as secondary to the urgency of their cause.

Activists are frequently exposed to stories and possibly firsthand or vicarious experiences of violence, discrimination, environmental destruction, and other forms of systemic harm. This persistent confrontation with injustice can erode emotional and psychological resilience. Repeated exposure to trauma, whether directly or through media and testimonies, may lead to secondary traumatic stress. Over time, this can manifest as feelings of helplessness, sadness, or anger, particularly when activists perceive that their efforts are not creating meaningful change (Gorski et al., 2018).

In the digital age, activism often involves constant engagement with news and social media. Activists may feel compelled to stay informed, share updates and respond to crises as they unfold, leading to a sense of being “always on.” Social media algorithms can exacerbate this issue by prioritising distressing content, contributing to a constant state of hyper-awareness about global injustices. The pressure to amplify messages, counter misinformation, and respond to criticism can intensify feelings of overwhelm, leaving little room for self-care, and exacerbating emotional fatigue.

Advocacy work is often slow-moving, with systemic change requiring years or even decades of sustained effort. Activists may become disheartened or frustrated when tangible outcomes are not immediately visible or setbacks occur, reinforcing feelings of futility or hopelessness (Hanson, 2023).

Many activists juggle multiple demanding roles within their movement, such as organising events, fundraising, public outreach, and direct community support. These roles often come with high expectations and limited resources, leading to a significant imbalance between demands and available support. Without adequate boundaries, this overextension can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion (Martin, 2015).

Activists may feel a profound moral obligation to address injustices, especially as they may have direct connections to affected communities, or be a part of said communities. This sense of responsibility can lead to self-imposed pressure to work tirelessly, often at the expense of their well-being, leading to chronic stress, self-criticism and emotional depletion (Vaccaro & Mena, 2011).

Compassion fatigue can have severe consequences for activists, both personally and professionally:

• Increased risk of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms.
• Heightened vulnerability to chronic stress and related physical health issues, such as headaches and fatigue.

Burnout is a common outcome of compassion fatigue, characterised by a loss of motivation, reduced productivity, and eventual withdrawal from activism. Unlike traditional burnout, which stems from overwork, this form is tied to emotional depletion from empathic engagement (Singer et al., 2019).

Ironically, activists experiencing compassion fatigue may become desensitised to the suffering of others, reducing their effectiveness in advocacy. This loss of empathy is often a protective mechanism to shield against emotional overwhelm.

The emotional toll of activism can spill over into personal relationships, leading to feelings of isolation or strained interactions with friends and family.

The broader framework of compassion fatigue provides important insights into its manifestation in activism. In caregiving professions, compassion fatigue arises from close interpersonal connections with those in distress (Marshman et al., 2021; Potter et al., 2010). In activism, it extends to systemic issues, which often feel insurmountable. This scale and complexity introduce unique challenges, including:

• Vicarious Trauma: Activists may experience trauma indirectly by repeatedly witnessing or hearing about the suffering of others.
• Global Scale of Issues: While a caregiver’s focus may be individual, activists often grapple with systemic crises, such as climate change, that lack clear or immediate solutions.

Understanding this connection underscores the need for tailored interventions to address the specific challenges activists face.

• Practicing Self-Care: Regular mindfulness practices, creative hobbies, and physical exercise can help replenish emotional reserves (Basas, 2015).
• Setting Boundaries: Limiting time spent on advocacy-related activities or distressing media to prevent over-commitment.
• Therapy and Support Groups: Engaging with mental health professionals or peers to process emotions and develop coping mechanisms.

Activist organisations play a crucial role in mitigating compassion fatigue by fostering supportive environments:

• Resilience Training: Providing workshops on stress management and emotional resilience.
• Promoting Work-Life Balance: Encouraging activists to take breaks and prioritise rest.
• Creating Safe Spaces: Offering debrief sessions where activists can share their struggles without judgment.

Building strong networks among activists can provide mutual support and a sense of solidarity. Celebrating small victories and sharing positive stories can also help counteract feelings of futility.

The climate movement has drawn attention to the emotional toll of advocating for systemic change. Activists frequently report feelings of “climate grief,” a deep despair caused by the magnitude of the crisis and insufficient global action (Cunsolo & Ellis, 2018). High-profile advocates like Greta Thunberg have openly discussed their struggles with burnout and emotional exhaustion, sparking conversations about the importance of self-care in the movement.

Advocates working on human rights such as refugee rights, racial justice, and gender equality are regularly exposed to stories of violence, discrimination, and systemic harm. This chronic exposure often results in vicarious trauma and emotional fatigue, particularly for those with personal connections to the communities they serve.

Community-based activists often face unique pressures, balancing advocacy with direct support for marginalised groups. Their close proximity to the issues they address makes them particularly vulnerable to compassion fatigue, as they frequently witness the immediate effects of systemic injustices.

Critics caution against framing compassion fatigue as solely an individual issue, as this risks ignoring the structural and systemic factors that contribute to emotional exhaustion. For example, insufficient organisational support, lack of funding, and unrealistic expectations placed on activists can all exacerbate compassion fatigue. Additionally, the emphasis on self-care, while important, may inadvertently shift responsibility onto activists themselves rather than addressing the broader need for sustainable activism models. Advocates argue for a systemic approach that includes equitable workloads, access to mental health resources, and community support networks.

Addressing compassion fatigue in activism requires a multifaceted approach:

1. Research: More studies are needed to understand the unique manifestations of compassion fatigue in activist contexts, particularly among marginalised groups.
2. Education: Incorporating resilience training into activist education can equip individuals with the tools to manage emotional challenges.
3. Systemic Change: Advocacy organisations must prioritise sustainable activism by creating supportive environments and addressing structural barriers.

These efforts can help ensure that activists remain engaged and effective while protecting their mental health and well-being.

Basas, C. G. (2015). Advocacy Fatigue: Self-care, Protest, and Educational Equity. Windsor Yearbook of Access to Justice, 32(2), 37. https://doi.org/10.22329/wyaj.v32i2.4681

Boeckenhoff, H. M. (2021). Are Activists Neglecting Themselves While Helping Others? : The Role of Gilbert’s Flows of Compassion in Activists’ Well-being. [Thesis ].

Cunsolo, A., & Ellis, N. R. (2018). Ecological grief as a mental health response to climate change-related loss. Nature Climate Change, 8(4), 275–281.

Eckert, E., & Broadhurst, C. (2023). “We were just so shattered”: Identity and the emotional impact of supporting student activism.. Journal of Diversity in Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1037/dhe0000535

Figley, C. R. (1995). Compassion fatigue: Coping with secondary traumatic stress disorder in those who treat the traumatized. Routledge.

Figley, C. R. (2002). Treating compassion fatigue. Brunner-Routledge.

Gorski, P., Lopresti-Goodman, S., & Rising, D. (2018). “Nobody’s paying me to cry”: the causes of activist burnout in United States animal rights activists. Social Movement Studies, 18(3), 364–380. https://doi.org/10.1080/14742837.2018.1561260

Hanson, S. (2023). Self-compassion and burnout in socially progressive student activists: hope and hopelessness as mediators [Thesis].

Joinson, C. (1992). Coping with Compassion Fatigue . Nursing, 22(4), 116–121. https://doi.org/10.1097/00152193-199204000-00035

Marshman, C., Munro, I., & Hansen, A. (2021). Compassion Fatigue in Mental Health Nurses: a Systematic Review. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 29(4), 529–543. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12812

Martin, J. L. (2015). Racial battle fatigue : insights from the front lines of social justice advocacy. Praeger.

Moeller, S. D. (2018). Compassion Fatigue . In R. Bleiker (Ed.), Visual Global Politics (pp. 75–80). Routledge.

Potter, P., Deshields, T., Divanbeigi, J., Allen Berger, J., Cipriano, D., Norris, L., & Olsen, S. (2010). Compassion Fatigue and Burnout. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing , 14(5). https://doi.org/10.1188/10.CJON.E56-E62

Singer, J., Cummings, C., Boekankamp, D., Hisaka, R., & T. Benuto, L. (2019). Compassion Satisfaction, Compassion Fatigue, and Burnout: A Replication Study with Victim Advocates. Journal of Social Service Research, 46(3), 313–319. https://doi.org/10.1080/01488376.2018.1561595

Vaccaro, A., & Mena, J. A. (2011). It’s Not Burnout,It’s More: Queer College Activists of Color and Mental Health. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health, 15(4), 339–367. https://doi.org/10.1080/19359705.2011.600656