Stories I carried, messages I dreaded
What happens when researchers face emotional overload beyond data collection? How do they recognize reaching their limits?
In this video, we dive into the unseen emotional toll of fieldwork. Beyond drafting interview questions or analyzing responses, we talk about my encounter with compassion fatigue, an overwhelming sense of exhaustion from repeatedly hearing difficult stories. We explore the subtle tipping points: that feeling when every message feels heavy, and when you have to say "no" to requests from vulnerable communities. We also reflect on the nuanced ethical challenges of conducting empathetic and responsible research.