Captured Feelings
The dark side of volunteering
The heavy weight of compassion that leads to burnout
Volunteering is a noble act and is frequently associated with feelings of fulfilment and purpose.
However, the act of giving back can sometimes take a toll on one’s mental and emotional well-being.
The burnout of volunteering, a phenomenon less discussed than its professional counterpart, can have significant consequences for those who dedicate their time and energy to helping others.
I’ve been an ongoing volunteer in many organisations for the past ten years, dedicating countless hours to giving back. While these years have been incredibly rewarding, I’ve also faced the challenges of volunteer burnout.
I believe that I am going through one right now, which led me to research about it and go more in depth about what causes it and how it manifests.
The Emotional Toll
One of the primary causes of volunteer burnout is the constant exposure to the struggles and suffering of others.
While empathy is a cornerstone of effective volunteering, it can become overwhelming when confronted with the harsh realities of poverty, illness, or social injustice. This can lead to:
