How can peer supporters avoid empathy fatigue?

1 Recognize the signs

Empathy fatigue can manifest in different ways, such as feeling overwhelmed, irritable, numb, hopeless, or guilty. You may also experience physical symptoms, such as headaches, insomnia, or fatigue. You may also notice changes in your behavior, such as isolating yourself, avoiding certain topics or situations, or losing interest in your hobbies or goals. Being aware of these signs can help you identify when you need to take a break, seek help, or adjust your boundaries.

2 Practice self-care

Self-care is essential for peer supporters, as it can help you replenish your energy, cope with stress, and nurture your well-being. Self-care can include activities that promote your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, such as exercising, meditating, journaling, reading, or spending time with loved ones. You can also practice self-compassion, which means being kind and forgiving to yourself, acknowledging your limits, and celebrating your achievements.

3 Seek support

Peer supporters are not alone in their journey, and they can benefit from seeking support from others who understand their role and challenges. You can reach out to your peers, mentors, supervisors, or other professionals who can offer you guidance, feedback, or validation. You can also join a peer support network or community, where you can share your experiences, learn from others, and find resources and opportunities.

4 Set boundaries

Setting boundaries is another important skill for peer supporters, as it can help you protect your time, energy, and privacy. Boundaries can include defining your role and expectations, communicating your availability and preferences, saying no when needed, and respecting the boundaries of others. Setting boundaries can also help you avoid taking on too much responsibility, becoming emotionally attached, or crossing ethical lines.

5 Diversify your activities

Peer support can be a fulfilling and meaningful activity, but it can also become monotonous or overwhelming if it is your only focus. To prevent boredom or burnout, you can diversify your activities and interests, and explore other areas of personal or professional growth. For example, you can pursue a hobby, learn a new skill, volunteer for a different cause, or take on a new challenge. Diversifying your activities can help you balance your life, discover new passions, and enhance your skills.

6 Evaluate your impact

Finally, peer supporters can avoid empathy fatigue by evaluating their impact and recognizing the value of their work. You can reflect on the positive outcomes and changes that you have contributed to, such as helping someone cope, learn, or grow. You can also collect feedback, testimonials, or data that demonstrate your effectiveness and impact. Evaluating your impact can help you appreciate your role, boost your confidence, and motivate you to continue.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?