Sometimes, even after a good night’s sleep and a slow, stress-free day, we still feel mentally and emotionally drained. That deep tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest might be something more serious—emotional fatigue.
Media personality and activist Janet Mbugua recently opened up about her own experience with this kind of exhaustion. She explained that understanding what you’re going through is key. It helps you find the right support and stops you from taking out your frustrations on others.
Janet shared that she once asked herself, “Why do I feel so tired even though I have a strong support system?” That’s when she realized she was suffering from compassion fatigue—a type of burnout that happens when you give too much of yourself to others without taking care of your own needs.
“I told a friend, ‘I think I’ve been pouring too much from an empty cup,’” she said.
Janet explained that people in helping professions—like journalists, doctors, activists, and caregivers—are especially at risk. They spend so much time caring for others that they slowly become emotionally worn out without even noticing.
This kind of fatigue can lead to a lack of motivation, where you suddenly feel like you can’t do what you used to love—whether it’s standing up for a cause, helping people, or even answering a phone call.
Her advice? Be honest with yourself. Pay attention to what you’re feeling and give yourself permission to rest and recharge.
