Diaspora burnout is real, ever-present, and so overwhelming when it hits. 

You might not realize this is happening to you, but if you are a member of a diaspora in any way, and you care about the world, then listen up. 

Diaspora pain and suffering is real, and burnout will come for you if you don't get ahead of it.  Especially when crisis, conflict or suffering hits our homelands.

 The author with young children in an internal displacement camp in Darfur, Sudan during a mission trip with The Elders,  2007.

Naming the Problem

A defining moment within any diaspora experience is how one responds when a crisis devastates their ancestral homeland. The feeling of needing to do something hits in a deeply personal way and many times, diasporas are inspired to jump immediately into action. 

Diaspora humanitarian response is a natural occurence.  The problem begins when a diaspora individual's response becomes all-consuming with undefined goals, assessments and execution.  Failure to define one's own personal needs, availability and level of commitment can quickly devolve into a neverending response effort absent of clear benchmarks, milestones or limitations. 

For diasporas, these safeguards are critical to establish if you want to avoid burnout and keep your spirit in tact. This all encompassing effort can turn into a constant state of high alert, ongoing response, and a drain on your energy and well-being. 

Is this what being in the diaspora requires of you? Undefined goals, personal burnout, constant response and extreme sacrifice? 

As admirable as this may sound, I am here to tell you, with love -- no, it's not.

You do not need to experience diaspora burnout because you are a diaspora responding to a crisis. There are better, healthier ways to use your time, talent and treasure to help your community.

What Is Diaspora Burnout?

Diaspora burnout is the cumulative effect of diaspora rage, sadness, helplessness and disillusionment one can feel during a period of prolonged man-made or natural humanitarian crisis.

It happens whether you are there on the ground, on the frontlines, behind the scenes, or half a world away. 

It doesn't matter where you were raised, how involved you are in your community, or how familiar you are with your ancestral homeland. 

What matters is your diasporic sense of self. The commitment and consciousness you have to your adopted and ancestral homelands. 

• How do I help? What can I do? 
• Is it enough? Am I enough? 
• Where will my people go? How will they survive?
•  Why can't I do more from where I am?  Why am I so far away? 

Diaspora burnout can feel like the dashing of our diaspora ambitions, hopes and dreams, replaced with sudden loss, heartache and perceived powerlessness when the policies fail us. 

How Does Diaspora Burnout Happen?

Diaspora burnout is a slow and steady decline. Believe me, I’ve been there. 

You tell yourself you are fine, you can keep going. You fail to pause for yourself.  You forget the necessary mental, physical and emotional safeguards you need to survive and thrive through this response era.  

Diaspora guilt, similar to survivors’ guilt, may be what’s driving you to ignore your needs, maybe even prolong your own suffering. Or it could be a sense of obligation and responsibility that’s pushing you to burn the midnight oil. 

To resolve this, it is critical you ask if that is the best use of your time, talents and treasures.  

Is this a sprint or a marathon? Are you doing this to ease your anxiety or truly assist in easing the suffering of others? 

How to Prevent Diaspora Burnout

Rule #1: You have to be well to help others get well.   You know the saying, intentions are never enough?  Yeah well, it applies to you and your diaspora journey. Your intentions to do good aren’t enough.  You must practice what you preach and focus on your own wellness to make the impact you truly want.  You may think your pain isn't as warranted or as important as the suffering of our brothers and sisters halfway around the world. Or that these are #firstworldproblems of privilege that don't need attention.  I'm here to tell you, you couldn't be further from the truth.  Diaspora pain and suffering is real, and deserves your attention.  It is not the same as the suffering of our brothers and sisters, but it is still suffering. 

• Remember the only way you can be of service and help reach the solutions you're so desperately seeking, is if you are mentally, emotionally, and physically well.

• Listen to your spirit, give room for your grief.  Let yourself grieve however you need to, with the time that you need. You don't have to suffer twice as much to match the pain of our people. Your pain is enough and the only way you will be able to make diaspora impact is if you heal that pain.

• So grieve, cry, sleep, rest, exercise, pray, laugh, cook, write, get a therapist - whatever you can do to care for your whole self will ensure you can make the kind of diaspora impact you dream of.   

Rule #2: Remember that diaspora impact is a marathon, not a sprint.  We say it all the time - change doesn’t happen overnight.  But what does this really mean for us as diasporas?  For so many of us, crises in our ancestral and adopted homelands show no signs of abating or ending. Much of the work required to truly resolve these issues require systemic change and long-term strategies. Resolving conflicts, ending humanitarian crises, and shifting policy does not happen overnight. Especially in regions where these crises are longstanding or reoccuring.  So how are you preparing for this long journey and what will it mean for your life? 

• Think carefully of how you will move through current and future crises - both here and there.

• Are you activating yourself for the short-term or are you prepared for a longer-term commitment? 

• How will you take care of your spirit to prepare for your diaspora marathon?

Don't burnout. Don't give up. Don't throw in the towel. This is a diaspora marathon, for all of us.  

Rule #3 Use your time, talents and treasures that are unique to you.   Your time, talents and treasures as a diaspora member are your greatest assets.  When crisis strikes, your best offering is what makes you you. This includes your skills, knowledge, expertise, and interests. 

• Think about what interests you, what you enjoy doing, and what you're particularly skilled at.  What do you enjoy doing so much, that you lose track of time? What would you enjoy doing and learning if you had to choose? Start digging. Name it and identify it before a crisis strikes. When it does, you can apply yourself with a bit more direction and anchoring.

• Find role models, mentors, sponsors and inspiring figures to help you name how you want to help.  Each kind of person serves as a different source of learning and inspiration.  Find examples of people who do what you want to do, and ask yourself if it aligns with who you are. Your values, your skills, your gifts.  Use those examples as guides to help you shape and strengthen your own diaspora impact. 

• Be prepared to offer your skillsets in whatever way you can. Time is of the essence when it comes to diaspora humanitarian advocacy and response. The best way to give back is to know your strengths and skills and be ready to offer them.