Compassion Fatigue Support
Welcome to the Fraser Valley Feline Welfare Society's Compassion Fatigue Support Page.​​
​
This service is for those who work tirelessly in animal care industries, veterinary staff, animal welfare/shelter workers, animal rescue personnel, volunteers, etc.
​
This support service is provided by an experienced, certified counsellor that is trauma-informed, culturally safe and specializes in grief, compassion fatigue, pet loss bereavement.
This service is available to anyone, anywhere, by donation.
Compassion fatigue support involves strategies and resources to help caregivers and empathetic individuals recover from emotional exhaustion due to prolonged exposure to others' suffering, focusing on self-care, setting boundaries, mindfulness, and professional help to rebuild empathy and prevent burnout, ultimately replenishing emotional reserves. It addresses the "cost of caring" by teaching how to care for oneself while caring for others.
​
Key Components of Compassion Fatigue Support:
​
-
Self-Care & Self-Compassion: Prioritizing personal needs (physical, emotional, mental) like rest, healthy eating, and enjoyable activities; practicing kindness towards oneself.
-
Boundary Setting: Learning to say "no," managing expectations, and creating limits to prevent over-giving.
-
Mindfulness & Relaxation: Daily mindfulness, deep breathing, and stress-reduction techniques to stay grounded.
-
Social Support: Maintaining strong connections with supportive people and avoiding isolation.
-
Awareness & Reflection: Recognizing signs (irritability, detachment, hopelessness) and understanding personal triggers.
-
Professional Help: Therapy (especially trauma-informed), counselling, or support groups to process feelings and develop coping mechanisms.
-
Restorative Activities: Engaging in activities that bring joy, meaning, and a sense of accomplishment outside of care-giving roles.
​​
Who Benefits?
​
-
Healthcare workers (nurses, doctors)
-
Mental health professionals (therapists, social workers)
-
First responders (police, firefighters)
-
Veterans
-
Animal welfare workers
-
Anyone in a consistent helping role or highly empathetic individuals.
​
In essence, support helps you "refuel your emotional cup" so you can continue to care for others without depleting yourself.
Our Sponsors & Affiliations
