We all have days when we feel tired — but emotional exhaustion runs deeper than just needing a nap. It’s that sense of feeling drained, detached, and disconnected from yourself or others, even when nothing seems “wrong.” For caregivers, therapists, teachers, or anyone who constantly shows up for others, this exhaustion may actually be emotional burnout or compassion fatigue — signs that your mind and body are asking for care, not just more endurance.

Many individuals from Immigrant Asian family systems carry the weight of emotional patterns and traumas that span generations. This article explores what intergenerational trauma looks like, why you may feel guilt or confusion toward caregiving parents, and how therapy can be a powerful tool for healing. We highlight three foundational books—It Didn’t Start With You by Mark Wolynn, Will I Ever Be Good Enough? by Karyl McBride, and Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Pa