The strength within (or when it turns to mush)
Many people, including me, believe we have the inner strength of a super hero. We can continue trying to save animals day in and day out with no effect on our mental well-being.
Unfortunately, this is not true. Many people, volunteers and staff members who work in the animal rescue field often suffer burnout.
In the biz they call this compassion fatigue. The reason is simply the overwhelming feeling that it doesn't matter what you do or say, the revolving door of animal rescue is simply that, a revolving door. You put your everything into these animals and they just keep coming.
It can be something as simple as an unclean kennel, which should have been cleaned by a staff member, or what can be perceived as an uncaring attitude by a fellow volunteer.
It is sometimes very hard to continually paste a smile on your face, regardless of your committment, and keep a positive outlook.
The key to prevent this is to know yourself. When you reach a point where you just feel what you are doing is simply not useful anymore, step out of it for a while. Take a breather and renourish your mental being. It is okay to do this and not feel guilty.
In the newspaper business, we called this a mental health day. I am taking one today. I will be blogging again tomorrow.
Unfortunately, this is not true. Many people, volunteers and staff members who work in the animal rescue field often suffer burnout.
In the biz they call this compassion fatigue. The reason is simply the overwhelming feeling that it doesn't matter what you do or say, the revolving door of animal rescue is simply that, a revolving door. You put your everything into these animals and they just keep coming.
It can be something as simple as an unclean kennel, which should have been cleaned by a staff member, or what can be perceived as an uncaring attitude by a fellow volunteer.
It is sometimes very hard to continually paste a smile on your face, regardless of your committment, and keep a positive outlook.
The key to prevent this is to know yourself. When you reach a point where you just feel what you are doing is simply not useful anymore, step out of it for a while. Take a breather and renourish your mental being. It is okay to do this and not feel guilty.
In the newspaper business, we called this a mental health day. I am taking one today. I will be blogging again tomorrow.
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