Acted many times without permission! Haven't you? As I learned early in life - forgiveness is granted more often than permission. So, I did the math and forged ahead. Still do. More times than not, my next action would benefit someone else - so I had that extra impetus to proceed. Ever been on a fireline? The edge of a hurricane? In the aftermath of a tornado? Trust me when I say no one waits for permission to jump in and help. They just do.
Same thing as bragging on the benefits of Essences and other alternatives of emotional-healing and animal caretaking. Why? Caregivers often care too much and the good ones burn out. Can't help it. It is how they are wired. To give with empathy and compassion until exhausted. So we have to be aware. And be able to empower others to get back on track. Keeping them 'in the game.'
Compassion Fatigue (CF) can manifest within hours given the environment's impact on an individual. Also, it can take years before symptoms spill over, splashing onto others. Many victims and witnesses miss these signals which can be as simple as a little bit of impatience, quips and jabs, bowing out of happy hour, isolating, and on and on and on.
Empathetic burn-out (EBO) and secondary traumatic stress (STSD) are rarely avoided in Animal Welfare. Rarely diagnosed too. What can we do when this is 'in our faces'? EBO, STSD, and CF are 99.9% feelings - my opine following 18 months of research and presenting seminars. Yes, symptoms manifest physically and mentally hijacking our actions and behaviors. But feelings are first.
What about BEFORE this fatigue escalates and weakens us; potentially compromising the well-being and safety of our families, friends, co-workers, and neighbors? What CAN we do?
1st - See something? Say something! In doubt? Reach out!
2nd - Jump in. If not you; then who? If not now; then when? Sometimes interrupting a spiral is the best we can hope for. Don't be afraid.
3rd - Know you can help even if (especially if) they get mad at you. What do you have to lose?
4th - Ask us to share our presentations and research with you. Ask for our COMPANIONS’ GUIDE TO COMPASSION FATIGUE. Knowledge truly is power.
Yes - THIS IS ALL ABOUT YOU - AN HOMAGE TO THE TROUBLEMAKERS... CRAZY ENOUGH TO THINK THEY CAN CHANGE THE WORLD! PUSHING US FORWARD. Thank You!!!
