Our committee is comprised of individuals from across every area of research and we have made it our goal to bring awareness to the growing issue of compassion fatigue/burnout that can come from working with animals in research.
Mission Statement
To assist all teammates in the animal research community with understanding and managing the issues of compassion fatigue and burnout.
Main Objectives
- Educate all animal research staff about compassion fatigue and burnout. While also educating managers/PIs about how to engage with and support their staff concerning compassion fatigue and burnout.
- Provide additional resources and support for anyone who may be suffering from compassion fatigue and/or burnout.
- Provide different activities to help relieve stress and promote resiliency.
- Host events that aid in building a community of support for one another.
Compassion Fatigue
A state of physical, emotional, and psychological exhaustion that can occur when someone is repeatedly exposed to the pain or trauma of animals. It's also known as vicarious or secondary trauma.- Emotional: Feeling helpless, hopeless, or powerless. You might also feel irritable, angry, sad, or numb.
- Physical: You might experience physical exhaustion, headaches, nausea, dizziness, or upset stomach. You might also have sleep disturbances or nightmares.
- Behavioral: You might neglect your own self-care, withdraw, or isolate yourself. You might also increase your substance use as a form of self-medication.
- Interpersonal: You might experience increased conflict in your personal relationships. You might also blame others, complain with colleagues, or look for a new job.
- Other: You might have intrusive thoughts, avoid things that remind you of the stressor, or have an increased startle response. You might also have a diminished sense of personal accomplishment, or a change in your worldview or spirituality.
*If left untreated, compassion fatigue can lead to mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and substance use disorders.
Burnout
Means feeling empty and mentally exhausted, devoid of motivation, and beyond caring. People experiencing burnout often do not see any hope of positive change in their situations.- Emotional exhaustion: Feeling drained, overwhelmed, and tired
- Reduced performance: Having difficulty concentrating, being listless, and lacking creativity
- Changes in sleep: Having trouble sleeping or experiencing other sleep issues
- Changes in eating habits: Eating more or less than usual, or craving comfort foods
- Physical symptoms: Headaches, stomachaches, gastrointestinal problems, or other physical complaints
- Negative attitude: Being cynical or negative about your job, colleagues, or working conditions
- Alienation: Feeling disconnected from work-related activities or losing interest in them
- Changes in values: Seeing things differently, or becoming insensitive to others
- Withdrawal: Feeling like dealing with others is a burden, or becoming angry if criticized
- Substance use: Using more alcohol or other substances to self-medicate
*Burnout can develop alongside depression or anxiety, both of which can cause physical symptoms.