Chart 2: Examples of Compassion Fatigue Burnout Symptoms
Cognitive
Emotional
Behavioral
Spiritual
Personal Relationships
Physical/
Somatic
Work Performance
Lowered concentration

Decreased self-esteem

Apathy

Rigidity

Disorientation

Perfectionism

Minimization

Preoccupation with trauma

Thoughts of self-harm or harm to others

Powerlessness

Anxiety

Guilt

Anger/rage

Survivor guilt

Shutdown

Numbness

Fear

Helplessness

Sadness

Depression

Emotional roller coaster

Depleted

Overly sensitive 

Impatient

Irritable

Withdrawn

Moody

Regression

Sleep disturbance

Nightmares

Appetite changes

Hypervigilance

Elevated startle response 

Accident proneness

Losing things

Questioning the meaning of life

Loss of purpose

Lack of self-satisfaction

Pervasive hopelessness

Anger at God

Questioning of prior religious beliefs

Loss of faith in a higher power

Greater skepticism about religion

Withdrawal

Decreased interest in intimacy or sex

Mistrust

Isolation from others

Over protection as a parent

Projection of anger or blame

Intolerance

Loneliness

Increased interpersonal conflicts

Shock

Sweating

Rapid heartbeat

Breathing difficulties

Aches and pains

Dizziness

Increased number and intensity of medical maladies

Other somatic complaints

Impaired immune system

Low morale

Low motivation

Avoiding tasks

Obsession about details

Apathy

Negativity

Lack of appreciation

Detachment

Poor work comm. 

Staff conflicts

Absenteeism

Exhaustion

Irritability

Withdrawal from colleagues

Source: Charles R. Figley, Ph.D., Florida State University Traumatology Institute, Tallahassee, Florida