Lora Lee 
You have probably heard about compassion fatigue, which is emotional exhaustion caused by the stress of caring for the traumatized and suffering. This is big in terms of people working in animal rescue. These people are usually overworked, underappreciated and uncomplaining. Those in the rescue community will always put the animals before themselves which leads to compassion fatigue. However, that does not stop them. They will power through the fatigue and continue because, unfortunately, there are always animals in need.
The work is never done. There is always one more animal that needs help. One more cat that needs to be rescued. A sick kitty that needs vet care to survive. A litter of orphaned kittens that needs to be bottled feed every couple of hours. A colony of cats that needs TNR to help stop this vicious cycle. It never ends. People who work in rescue will always step up for the animals in need. This usually comes at the cost of their own self-care. Which leads to compassion fatigue.
My Own Fatigue
I may not run a rescue, but with 19 cats and 2 kittens, it sure does feel like it on most days and technically they are all rescues. It takes a lot to care for this many tiny beings on a daily basis. Luckily, I have it down to a routine. However, all it takes is one extra task and the whole routine can be thrown off. A cat in need of daily antibiotics, kittens needing to be kept crated to recover from spay surgery or even having to change one cat’s diet can add stress to the daily routine. However, I, like other rescuers, will adjust and adapt and get the work done. But it can weigh on you and bring you to the point of mental, emotional and physical exhaustion.
I did not realize just how tired I was until we went on a family Disney trip last month. Until then, it had been over 2 years since I had been anywhere overnight. That is a long time without a break from the day-to-day cat care. Now, don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love my babies and will do anything to ensure that they are happy and well cared for. However, if you don’t take time for yourself, you will burnout. And that was exactly what was happening to me. It was completely refreshing to be able to wake up in the morning and not have to instantly start taking care of the cats. That week allowed me to recharge and do some self-care.
Simple Self-Care
Giving yourself time to recharge doesn’t have to be as big as a trip. It can be as simple as taking a walk outside. An extra-long shower or even a bath. Actually, going out to a restaurant for a meal, instead of getting takeout. These may sound easy, but for someone who works in rescue, these few moments are precious and can be very necessary. Self-care is important. So many times, caregivers put their own needs last. We need to remember to take time for ourselves. It will not help the poor animals in our care any if we have completely burned out from compassion fatigue. Remember to take a moment or two to breathe and do something just for you. Read more about rescue compassion fatigue here.
“The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” – Albert Einstein
