Empathic strain is a term used to describe the emotional and physical exhaustion experienced by individuals who provide care and support to others, particularly in high-stress and emotionally demanding professions. While it is often associated with healthcare workers, teachers also experience empathic strain as a result of their emotional commitment to their work and the profound connections they establish with students.
By identifying the early warning signs, adopting effective coping techniques, and nurturing a supportive atmosphere, educators can maintain the delivery of excellent education while also prioritizing their own wellness.
Updated: 2024
External Resources
The Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health has developed a toolkit for compassion fatigue (empathic strain). Within this toolkit, you can find:
- Definition of compassion fatigue
- How to self-assess for compassion fatigue
- Strategies for seeking help if you are experiencing compassion fatigue
You can access the toolkit here.