4 Ways to Combat Compassion Fatigue

Compassion Fatigue is huge in the animal welfare and veterinary communities. Signs can be depression, anger, anxiety, sadness, and more. Fight Compassion Fatigue by Michelle Alberigi McKenzie     People who work in shelters and rescues often say it’s the hardest job they ever had. But they stay there because the animals need them. They are passionate about their work, but there’s only so much help they can offer as an individual. And the heartbreak that they experience becomes what is known as Compassion Fatigue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the first study that examined veterinarian mortality rates in America. The results were grim: the suicide rate among veterinarians is between 2 to 3.5 times higher than the national average. The animal welfare community (sanctuaries, rescue groups, shelters) represent another area of concern. The stress of animal work can affect morale and how they view their job. Psychotherapist J. Eric Gentry told the Sacramento Bee: “Animal care professionals are some of the most pain-saturated people I have ever worked with. The very thing that makes them great at their work, their empathy and dedication and love for animals, makes them vulnerable.”   Signs of compassion fatigue can include: Depression Sudden outbursts of anger Feeling cynical or numb to what’s happening around you Feeling isolated from family and friends Exhaustion Difficulty sleeping, just to name a few.   4 techniques that can be hugely effective for combating this Compassion Fatigue Syndrome 1. Talk about experiences with someone we trust, and in enough detail to connect emotionally with them again. 2. Learning mindfulness is proving extremely useful for people who suffer from compassion fatigue. Research shows that mindfulness reduces activity in the amygdala–that part of the brain that reacts to fear and anxiety. Mindfulness increases empathy and serenity among animal…

Continue Reading