Compassion Fatigue

Prevent injuries

Compassion fatigue

Oftentimes, people with the greatest ability to Symptoms empathize or connect with others are drawn Early recognition is critical to addressing to careers in caring. However, this same ability compassion fatigue. Everyone will have their can increase the emotional toll that comes own warning signs that indicate compassion with prolonged exposure to trauma, and is an fatigue, but they may include the following: often unrecognized occupational hazard. • Exhaustion Veterinary and shelter staff are exposed • Reduced ability to feel sympathy and empathy to pain and suffering on a regular basis, More resources which is further exacerbated by the stressful • Anger and irritability For additional safety conditions they work in. Over time, this can • Increased use of alcohol & drugs and health resources lead to secondary traumatic stress disorder, (self-medicating) browse SAIF's preventing injuries otherwise known as compassion fatigue. • Diminished sense of enjoyment of career topics page available • Disruption to world view; heightened anxiety at saif.com/prevent. What is compassion fatigue? or irrational fears Compassion fatigue can be described as physical and emotional exhaustion, as well • Hypersensitivity or insensitivity to emotional as a profound decrease in the ability to material empathize. It can dramatically reduce the • Absenteeism—missing work, taking too ability to successfully perform at work. If many sick days left untreated, compassion fatigue can have • Impaired ability to make decisions and care significant detrimental effects on quality of for clients/patients life and mental and physical health. Workplace strategies It’s important for those suffering from compassion fatigue to know they’re not alone— and that can start by providing support at work. Here are some strategies for supporting workers with compassion fatigue: • Create a work environment where employees feel comfortable speaking with supervisors about these issues • Support groups and open discussions/ education about compassion fatigue at meetings • Wellness programs—American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) provides a model program for wellness

Find more on saif.com Prevent injuries S1055 | ©SAIF 11.20 | Page 1 of 2 care practice can look different for everyone • Use of materials including discussion topics, but in general it should include: videos, and best practices available at no cost online or through veterinary schools • Make arrangements for work breaks to help and associations better manage stress and high workloads • Mixing up appointment types (i.e. “happier” • Balanced, healthy diet and proper hydration visits vs. emotionally demanding visits) • Regular physical activity • Regular breaks • Routine schedule of restful sleep • Routine check-ins • Balance between work and leisure • Mental health days • Honoring emotional needs • Onsite counseling • Active relaxation such as yoga or meditation • Relaxation rooms, massage, meditation • Educate yourself further about compassion classes, etc. fatigue • Breaking up time with patients/clients with For more self-care tips, visit: other types of tasks https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/ • Managers partnering with the clinic on wellbeing/work-and-compassion-fatigue reasonable and achievable goals for staff, http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/ and avoid the “we can do it all” image the-cost-of-caring • Validate feelings of sadness in employees at times of euthanasia or severe pet illness Suicide risk Self-care A mental health survey for veterinarians revealed that one in six of them have Practicing self-care is vital to maintaining contemplated suicide. The National Suicide good health, keeping up with job demands, Prevention Lifeline website provides a number and the ability to better care for others. Often, of useful resources, including how to find those who are most concerned with the care of counseling services and support groups. others tend to neglect themselves. A good self- Share these resources with your staff.