Be the Lighthouse, Not the Lifeboat: Protecting Your Wellbeing in the Helping Professions

Supporting vulnerable people—whether as a housing manager, social worker, or psychologist—can be incredibly rewarding. But it can also be emotionally exhausting, especially when faced with high needs, complex situations, and limited resources. Many professionals in helping roles experience compassion fatigue—a state of emotional and physical exhaustion caused by the chronic stress of supporting others in distress.

A powerful metaphor to navigate this challenge is to be a lighthouse, not a lifeboat—an image that captures the essence of sustainable support work