“Caring about animals shouldn’t hurt,” says blogger Paula Fitzsimmons in her article about Compassion Fatigue, an extreme state of tension and preoccupation with the suffering of others that causes secondary traumatic stress. Fitzsimmons, founder of the popular website Animal Jobs Digest, offers useful tips for those who volunteer or work to help animals. She encourages us to seek guidance when necessary so we can continue our noble work by assuring us that, “It’s possible to advocate for animals and care for them without opening up that soft center of yours to emotional trauma.”

Fitzsimmons offers a few simple solutions, from meditation to building a strong support network, and provides links to our own Animal Activist Mentor Line and Activist Resource List with helpful websites, professionals, books, and events.

We encourage all animal advocates to read this article on protecting your heart from compassion fatigue.

Then, join our conversation about ways to prevent compassion fatigue! Sign-up for our free Animal Activist Online Support Group this Thursday, July 28, from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. PDT (8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. EDT). Join us by phone or online.

Register now! 

You also can reach out for confidential support with any issues related to your animal advocacy, and issues you face in your personal life, on our Animal Activist Mentor Line: 1(800) 705-0425 or mentor@idausa.org. We’re here when you need support!

Photo credit: Jo-Anne McArthur