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Compassion Fatigue and Self-Care
A topic that cropped up during the recent HoundTable focused on Shelter Dogs was Compassion Fatigue. We didn’t have time to delve into it but I wanted to reiterate to the group here at Digging Dogs that Compassion Fatigue (and its sibling Burnout) are not ailments limited to sheltering; veterinarians and their staff, zoo employees, yes and even dog trainers can fall prey to these mental health issues. I’m hoping that this Houndtable will be a powerful springboard for our new channel all about Shelter Dogs.
As professional caregivers, we expose ourselves to traumas that the dogs in our care have experienced, and that can take a heavy toll on us. If we do not reflect with honest self-awareness, put in place and manage safe boundaries, and actively engage in on-going self care, we will not be able to do the important work we all want to do for pets and their people.
Two of my strategies over the years have been one: nurture relationships with others in the field so that you have a trusted, empathetic, knowledgeable cohort to turn to, and two: make time to seek and find joy outside the field (for me that is nature photography and cooking).
What do you keep on the watch for? How do you refill when you are feeling being drained? What other suggestions does this trusted, empathetic, knowledgeable cohort have for each other about Compassion Fatigue?
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9 Replies
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This is such an important topic, @jenwalker . Thanks for creating this post and giving folks a nudge toward talking about this all-too-common and difficult issue. I know we have several members interested in chatting about this, from our recent HoundTable prep chat. I’ll tag everyone who was on that discussion so they don’t miss this post – and hope everyone chimes in.
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What a fantastic topic to bring up! In any field that requires such strong building of relationships, and emotional labor, it is good to make sure you’re in the right space to handle these tasking things. Great post! ????
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Thank you @KrishC – your supportive words matter!
Trying to explain what it is like to volunteer and/or work in an animal shelter to people outside that world is very challenging. They often reply with astonishment (“I couldn’t do that. It must be so sad!”) or out of ignorance downplay the burden (“It must be great to play with puppies and kittens all day long!”).
I keep a stack of the book “One at a Time: A Week in an American Animal Shelter” to lend out to friends and family of folks who are involved in sheltering. While it was written many years ago, remains a poignant and honest view into open-admission animal sheltering.
I recall a short documentary that was shown at a volunteer orientation I used to run that was similarly impactful. I think it was called, “Best Friend Forgotten”.
Were any such materials shared with those of you who are volunteering at animal shelters? If so, in what ways were they helpful to you?
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My shelter volunteer schedule typically has me there only twice a month, but I admit there have been a couple times I’ve ended my shift feeling like I’d been run over by a truck. One helpful remedy shown in the graphic above is to find joy by focusing on the victories. Our shelter has a Facebook page just for the volunteer group, and every morning they post the names of the animals who were adopted the previous day. When I see a name of a dog I walked, or a dog I knew had been there for a long time, it makes me incredibly happy.
I have had some experience in forming relationships with other volunteers — something I know I need to do more of. I’ve always felt that, in other areas of life, being able to “talk it out” with someone helps a great deal. I’m sure it would help in this scenario, too.
Lastly, I usually follow my shift with a relaxing shower, maybe a glass of wine and some rest time in front of the TV or reading a book. That “self care” part is important.
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So good, @shari . Many folks don’t give a thought to what “fills them up” until they are too depleted to do it. It sounds like you have created some nice & healthy wellness routines for the long haul.
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I think I know that truck @shari! Good for you (literally) for being self-aware and taking those specific actions for self-care.
I’m glad that there is that Facebook group to foster communication between your shelter’s volunteers. Do you think that might be an appropriate place to share your experience with compassion fatigue, both to help others but also to help strengthen your own network? If you have Volunteer Coordinator, they might be a good person to speak to about this idea.
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Sure, I can check in and ask. They are a bit particular about the types of content that volunteers can post.
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It is understandable that they (the shelter and their Volunteer Manager/Coordinator) would want to be careful about the information that is shared on such a page; so much of the work is of such a sensitive nature. Thank you for giving it a try and please do let us know how it goes!
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Thank you Jen for posting this article. It is helpful. I am thrilled there is a Shelter Dog channel. I am looking forward to the next HoundTable Zoom call. 🙂
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