Feeling Numb? It Might Be Compassion Fatigue
In this powerful solo episode, host Andy Baker tackles an experience so many carers, parents, teachers and support workers know too well—but often don’t have a name for: compassion fatigue.
You may have heard of burnout. But what happens when it’s not the workload, it’s the emotional toll? When your ability to care feels like it’s vanishing—even though you haven’t stopped caring?
Andy breaks down:
What compassion fatigue is (and how it differs from burnout)
The emotional warning signs to look out for in yourself or others
Why those in caring, teaching, and parenting roles are particularly vulnerable
What to do when your emotional tank is empty
You’ll hear practical strategies for recovery, from 2-minute decompression techniques to setting boundaries and building trusted support systems. This episode isn’t just for professionals—it’s for anyone who gives so much of themselves that they sometimes forget to take care of themselves.
Key Topics Covered:
Understanding compassion fatigue vs burnout
Emotional numbness, disconnection, and overreaction
Vulnerable roles: carers, parents, teachers, and helpers
Warning signs to watch for in yourself and others
Simple daily rituals to protect your emotional health
How to reclaim your energy, empathy, and hope
Quote of the Episode:"You’re not broken. You’re overwhelmed. It’s your brain saying, ‘I need a minute.’" – Andy Baker
🎧 Listen if you’re:
A parent feeling guilty for snapping
A teacher wondering why you’re emotionally flat
A carer supporting others but running on empty
Someone who feels like they’ve lost their spark
Wanting to understand how to support someone else who’s struggling
🔗 Useful Links:
Carers Card UK: www.andybaker.xyz
💬 Join the Conversation:Have you experienced compassion fatigue? What helps you recharge? Drop Andy a message or share your thoughts using #AbleToCarePodcast.
📲 Subscribe to the Able to Care Podcast on your favourite platform and don’t forget to leave a review if this episode resonated with you.
Stay strong. You matter too.— Andy
Able to Care
Join host Andy Baker (author, speaker and educator) for Able Training’s care-focused podcast Able to Care. For paid and unpaid caregivers, teachers and parents to better understand themselves and those they support. With twice-weekly episodes covering understanding people, promoting self-care and resilience, signposting support and services, strategies to reduce stress and distress, promoting good practice and ensuring positive outcomes for all. Includes special guest experts, caregivers and those with lived experience.
- No. of episodes: 100
- Latest episode: 2025-06-09
- Health & Fitness Medicine Mental Health
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