Research completed by the North American 3 R’s Collaborative (NA3RsC) found that most professionals working with research animals want to help both people and animals. They care deeply for research animals and advancing science, but this work can come with many challenges. For example, it can be challenging to euthanize animals or even speak openly about your work.
Feeling undervalued by society, friends and family who do not understand or agree with animal research can be challenging and contribute to social stress. These challenges combined can lead to a specific type of workplace stress known as compassion fatigue
Compassion fatigue is a condition that caregivers may experience that is characterized by:
- physical and emotional exhaustion
- change in the ability to feel empathy
Compassion fatigue stems from repeated exposure to emotionally challenging, stressful situations that call for empathy towards another being, both humans and animals included
Symptoms can include exhaustion, depression, anger, frustration, anxiety, and cynicism. It can also cause chronic physical ailments leading to isolation, absenteeism, hopelessness, difficulty performing tasks, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, invasive thoughts, substance abuse, and more.
If you are experiencing symptoms of compassion fatigue or would like more information please visit our resources page here: Compassion Fatigue Resources or email the team: dcm-compassionfatigue@mit.edu
