What is "Crisis Fatigue"?

Crisis fatigue refers to the state of exhaustion and emotional burnout that individuals experience after prolonged exposure to stressful situations, particularly during emergencies or crises. When people are continually faced with intense stressors—such as natural disasters, public health emergencies, or other significant events—they may initially respond with a heightened sense of urgency and the willingness to engage actively in tackling these challenges. However, over time, this constant state of alertness can lead to mental and physical depletion.

As individuals face ongoing crises, the chronic stress can take a toll on their well-being, leading to feelings of overwhelm, disengagement, and a reduced capacity to cope effectively with future crises. This phenomenon illustrates why recognizing and addressing crisis fatigue is crucial, as it can impact not only the individual's health but also the overall effectiveness of responses to ongoing or future emergencies.

The other options suggest responses to crises that do not capture the ongoing emotional and physical toll caused by repeated exposure to high-stress situations. An eagerness to help and a phase of heightened awareness may characterize initial reactions to crises, while a deep understanding of health crises could reflect knowledge rather than the fatigue stemming from exposure to them.