Compassion Fatigue has been described as the “cost of caring” for others in emotional and physical pain. (Figley,1982)
It is characterized by deep physical and emotional exhaustion and a pronounced change in the helper’s ability to feel empathy for their patients, their loved ones and their co-workers. It is marked by increased cynicism at work and a loss of enjoyment of our career.

It attacks the very core of what brought us into this work: our empathy and compassion for others.  (Mathieu, 2007)