How to Combat Compassion Fatigue and Burnout

Jessica Zerkle, a licensed counselor, often works with members of Samaritan’s Purse international staff and disaster responders to help them process the suffering they witness. In her conversation with Kristy, Jessica talks about things like compassion fatigue, burnout, and how we as Christians can address suffering in the world.

Throughout her life and career, Jessica has come face to face with her own limitations. She shares about a time in her life when she witnessed great suffering and experienced compassion fatigue. Jessica said that she always strives to come back to one question: Where does my compassion ultimately stem from? True compassion can only come from the Lord. He gives us the ability to care, even when it is hard.

“And I think far too often, if we don't stop and pause as believers, like, whose strength am I going out in? Is it in my own might? Is it by my own power? Or what are the rhythms of my life reflecting? Is it a binding up with the Lord or is it starting with Jessica first?”—Jessica Zerkle

Jessica talks about how we can recognize if we are experiencing compassion fatigue. Things such as irritability, anxiety, being critical of others, and sleep issues can be signs. As believers, we need to remember that when we are weak, He is strong. Jessica reads an encouraging passage from Exodus that talks about God’s character.

“Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, ‘The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin.’”—Exodus 34:6-7, NASB1995

Suffering is a part of life in this fallen, broken world. Kristy asks Jessica how she addresses this pain as a believer and a counselor. They talk about the fact that because of God, we are not a people who grieve without hope. Jessica considers it a gift to be in the ditches of life with people, bearing witness to their stories as children of God. In her own community after Hurricane Helene, Jessica has seen suffering become a bridge builder between people who may not normally interact, creating Gospel opportunities.

“Suffering gives you that exposure to the heart of God because He knows what it is to suffer.”—Jessica Zerkle

Please pray for Jessica as she continues to serve with Samaritan’s Purse and beyond. Pray that the Lord would give her wisdom and discernment as she pours into others. If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories from On the Ground, please visit samaritanspurse.org.