COMPASSION FATIGUE WARNING SIGNS( NOT IN ANY EXACT ORDER) In the list below, note how much of these involve the emotional state of feelings, especially early on in the progression. Invisible, undefinable, indefensible feelings. Looking at this list; I cannot help but think about zoocosis or what we used to call shelteritis. We are all in this compassion-centric animal welfare industry together. These ever-changing emotional problems are multi-faceted, progressive, but also reversible and preventable to a certain degree.
1. Feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, helpless, or powerless when hearing of others’ suffering
2. Feelings of anger, irritability, sadness and anxiety
3. Feeling detached from surroundings or from physical or emotional experience
4. Feeling emotionally, psychologically or physically exhausted, or numb
5. Physical symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, headaches 6. Feeling less empathy
7. Feeling hypersensitive or insensitive to stories we hear 8. Limited tolerance for stress 9. Self-isolation and withdrawal 10. Relationship conflict 11. Feeling less efficient or productive at work 12. Feeling less pleasure in activities we used to enjoy 13. Difficulty sleeping and nightmares 14. Difficulty concentrating, focusing or making decisions 15. Self-medicating and / or increase in substance use. 16. Feeling need for self-harm or risky behaviors 17. Suicidal ideations 18. Attempts
WAYS TO COPE In times of stress or emotional difficulty, finding effective ways to cope can transform challenging experiences into opportunities for growth and healing. Whether through connecting with others, fostering kindness, or exploring new practices, these strategies can help nurture resilience, promote positivity, and provide solace in moments of need. Here are some thoughtful and uplifting approaches to consider:
• Find a companion / community / buddy / therapist
• Share out-of-the-ordinary solutions
• Anonymously help someone else
• Learn something new and positive
• Practice rigorous self-care
• Discover a new way to be of service
• Find a way to laugh whole-heartedly
DEFINITIONS
Behavior:
( a) Anything an organism does that involves action, re-action, or response to its environment or stimulation.
( b) The ability to survive and thrive in the existing environment.
( c) A mentally guided emotion, action, or re-action.
Feelings:( a) An emotional state or reaction.( b) Capacity to respond emotionally, especially with the higher emotions.( c) The overall quality of one ' s awareness.
Trauma:( a) Injury to living tissue.( b) A force that causes trauma, injury.( c) Unusual mental or behavioral state resulting from severe mental or emotional stress.
Compassion Fatigue refers to the biological, physiological, plus social exhaustion and dysfunction that result from prolonged exposure to the pain and suffering of others. Burn-out and Secondary Traumatic Stress are two integral components of compassion fatigue.
Burn-Out / Empathetic Burn-Out emerges as a result of work-related stressors, marked by feelings of unhappiness, disconnection, and / or insensitivity towards the work environment.
Secondary Traumatic Stress is characterized by a negative emotional response, fueled by fear and / or work-related trauma.
The APDT Chronicle of the Dog | Summer 2025 33