Compassion fatigue

Caring too much can hurt. When we focus all our care on our patients without practicing self-care, destructive behaviours can surface.

What is compassion fatigue?

Compassion is defined as a deep awareness of the suffering of another, coupled with the wish to relieve it. Fatigue is defined as the mental weariness resulting from exertion that is associated with attending to the emotional and physical pain of others. The work that veterinarians perform put them at risk of developing compassion fatigue.

What are the symptoms of compassion fatigue?

• Bottled-up emotions
• Impulse to rescue every animal in need
• Wanting to be alone - isolating yourself from others
• Sadness and apathy
• Displaced emotions - needs to voice excessive complaints about management and co-workers
• Lack of interest in self-care practices - you may know what you need to do to take care of yourself, but you lack the interest or motivation
• Reoccurring nightmare and flashbacks - bad dreams about work, or reliving particularly bad moments or events
• Persistent physical ailments
• Difficulty concentrating, mentally tired
• Prone to accidents both medical and physical

Strategies to avoid compassion fatigue:

• Develop a healthy support system: people who contribute to your self-esteem, who listen well and who care
• Reserve your life energy for worthy causes - choose your battles
• Discuss cases and the way they make you feel with colleagues
• Consider getting a Mentor
• Develop a good work-life balance
• Physical activity and eat well
• If you are suffering from early signs of Compassion Fatigue seek help