Topic 1: Managing Ethical Stress & Preventing Burnout and Compassion Fatigue

Ethical stress occurs when peer specialists face competing values, difficult decisions, or emotional burdens while supporting peers. Over time, unresolved ethical stress can contribute to burnout or compassion fatigue and impact professional effectiveness.

Common Causes of Ethical Stress:

• Balancing confidentiality vs. safety concerns.

• Feeling overly responsible for a peer’s success or struggles.

• Navigating conflicts between personal values and peer autonomy.

• Managing high emotional demands from repeated exposure to trauma.

Example:

A peer specialist consistently supports individuals in crisis but struggles to disconnect after work hours. Over time, they experience exhaustion and emotional fatigue, leading to ethical dilemmas about whether they can continue offering effective support.

Best Practice: Recognize ethical stress early and implement self-care strategies before burnout or compassion fatigue occurs.