How do other vets cope with euthenasias and cases where they feel inadequate professionally? How do I know if I have compassion fatigue?
Zanna Smith
Compassion fatigue begins gradually, then in an instant crisis blooms fully. It shuts down your ability to have “normal” emotions in all parts of your life. Intense grief differs, but has similar physiomental effects: lowered immune system, numbness, irritability, feeling your mind is out of control, memory impairment, lack of focus and concentration.
Compassion fatigue begins gradually, then in an instant crisis blooms fully. It shuts down your ability to have “normal” emotions in all parts of your life. Intense grief differs, but has similar physiomental effects: lowered immune system, numbness, irritability, feeling your mind is out of control, memory impairment, lack of focus and concentration. Just as depression differs from grief, CF also differs from the other two. And they overlap. One distinguishing trait of CF is the sense of inadequacy.
Usually a close friend can see what's changing earlier than you can, so it's good to have cross-checks. Reaching out to others who have to cope with similar situations at work is essential in any of the three life-darkeners. If you can find a CF therapist, do it before you leave your profession.