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• Dependence on unhealthy coping methods . Some may start to rely on food , alcohol or medication to help them deal with a tough day or week .
• Emotional changes . Team members may start experiencing extreme sadness or anger . They may start losing their ability to feel anything and have a numb or flat expression .
• Social changes . Team members begin to withdraw from teammates and clients . They may start being absent or tardy and express negativity about everything .
Educate and communicate
“ Education and communication are really important to stay mentally and emotionally healthy ,” says Grossman . “ The words ‘ compassion fatigue ’ are tossed around but many don ' t really know much about its causes and symptoms or how to combat it . Consider holding a workshop on the topic .” work , someone to relate to , rely on , confide in , and perhaps even take some of the stress or responsibilities for that day .
Tips to try
Gail A . Bishop , Clinic Coordinator for the Argus Institute at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital , deals with 14-18 pet hospice cases a year and supports clients through end-of-life decision making almost daily . She offers several coping strategies she uses :
• “ When I leave work on a particularly sad day , I have a small bottle of bubbles and a wand in my car . I fill my car with bubbles which not only makes me smile but , as the bubbles burst , I allow my heartaches to burst as well …. I feel better in no time .”
• “ I allow myself to cry if needed with or without the family present . I do not let tears pile up .”
It ’ s also important for a few , if not all , staff to be trained in how to deal with grieving clients , she says . It will be a tool they can use to eliminate some of the stress they themselves experience during that difficult time .
She also suggests that time be set aside during regular staff meetings for team members to openly discuss stressors as well as what ' s working and not working with the way the practice is dealing with certain situations .
Knowing what stressors affect you and how to counteract them is important as is taking good care of yourself physically and emotionally , says Grossman . Have a " self-care " buddy at