Compassion fatigue is a form of secondary trauma and burnout that affects people in helping professions like healthcare, therapy, and social work. It's the emotional and physical exhaustion that comes from constantly being exposed to others' suffering. Symptoms include emotional numbness, cynicism, and reduced empathy. To prevent it, you need strong boundaries between work and home, a consistent self-care practice, and regular supervision or peer support.
Remember that you can't effectively care for others if you're not caring for yourself. Your well-being is essential for your work.