Compassion Fatigue: Awareness and Self Care for Life Angela Dixon-Hamlett, LCSW What is Compassion Fatigue? Continued and overexposure to various levels of trauma from those you serve; burden of caring Secondary Trauma Stress (STS) is experienced by professional caregivers as well as non-professionals and volunteers Carla Johnson is generally credited with this term relating to emergency room nursing burnout (1992) Compassion Fatigue in the Animal Care Community, Charles Figley and Robert Roop Signs and Symptoms Changes in eating, sleeping Feelings of anxiety, depression, frustration Physical pains, gastrointestinal problems, immune system Preoccupation with guilt, sadness Self medicating Low energy, avoidance and isolation Over involvement with work 1
Recognizing and Managing Chronic Burnout Stressed by environment General dissatisfaction with working conditions Cumulative process May need major changes Compassion Fatigue (CF) Acute Traumatized by work Bittersweet experience Detachment complicates Learn self care Upside and Downside Misunderstood therefore becoming prevalent Same qualities that work for you can backfire You care.caring too much can be painful You feel deeply about many things you are low on the list You are needed.you are exhausted You help heal experience higher rate of loss Self Inventory Answer each statement with one of the following choices : Very True Somewhat True Rarely True 1. I have troubling dreams about my work 2. It is hard for me to express sadness 3. I am able to listen without trying to fix it 4. I often feel used up at the end of the day 5. I know how I want others to treat me 6. I am drawn to people who need me 2
Self Inventory (cont d) Very True Somewhat True Rarely True 7. I take my lunch and breaks regularly 8. I avoid certain thoughts and feelings 9. I have less of connection with my co-workers 10. I enjoy my job Scoring: 1,2,4,6,8,9 rarely true 3,5,7,10 very true Comprehensive Approach Organization Orientation Proper training, equipment and resources Promote a better understanding euthanasia Staff meetings to discuss concerns Encourage and ask Review policy and procedures Comprehensive Approach (cont d) Peer to Peer Group and individual process Peer support programs Empathy and understanding Share what works Self Care Boost resistance and reduce severity 3
Care for our Caregivers First step: admit vulnerability Develop high resiliency and emotional competence Dr. Miller (JAVMA) suggests: Have fun regularly Turn to nature Change your attitude towards stress Find a relaxation technique Care for our Caregivers (cont d) Know when to ask for help Surround yourself with supportive people Reassess your boundaries Give self permission to grieve Find a mentor Participate in peer supervision and staff meetings Identify a counselor who understands CF Importance of Self Care Author Margarita Tartakovsky emphasizes: Keep it simple Choose to self nurture Should support health and wellness strategies Gives us energy and nourishment Basis for our well being Meet our needs.more to offer 4
Self Care Project Because self compassion is not self indulgent Because your self worth is not measured in hours Because its OK to talk about how you feel Because we are better at work when we are better to ourselves You Deserve It! Reframing CF Compassion satisfaction Self compassion Resiliency Grief accommodation Empathy Transferring suffering The Self Compassion Project Creative brainstorming: Give myself time Take my vitamins Hide Pay attention to my breathing Fresh air Be a tourist in your city 5
Authentic and Sustainable Self Care Be kind to yourself Enhance your awareness and education Accept where you are on your path Understand that sometimes you may walk alone Listen to others who are suffering Organize your life Exchange info with those who validate Authentic and Sustainable (cont d) Choose your battles Understand your negative behavior Learn to respond Practice self management Express your needs assertively Be loyal to your self care plan Mindfulness Patricia Smith Compassion Fatigue Specialist Good NEWS More Tips Gratitude journal Transition from work Front load your schedule Achieve some, enjoy some Smile and breathe Practice, Practice, Practice 6
Self Compassion Plan Daily Before, during and after work Debrief, forgive and let go Hold yourself accountable Partner with someone Break down your goals What does your plan look like? Write it out today. Conclusions Be a survivor not a victim Strive for excellence not perfection You will reap the benefits as well as those around you co-workers, family, friends and your patients Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards for people to live up to. - Alfred A. Montapert 7
Thank you! Questions and Comments 8