HMN 2025: The cost of caring for abused animals is an existential crisis

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There are many definitions of the term “existential crisis,” and here are two that I find useful that cover much of the ground considered in the other definitions.psychological or moral crisis It forces individuals to ask fundamental questions about human existence.”An era of anxiety and conflict About purpose and meaning in life. Some psychologists focus on existential crises as issues of identity and who one wants to be. Others say it revolves around responsibility and commitment versus independence and freedom.”

It is very common to read about how increasingly severe climate change and biodiversity loss have become existential crises, but how the well-being of non-human animals (animals) living on Earth is increasingly declining globally. I can’t find any discussion about it. In the air and underwater, it becomes, or has already become, an existential crisis. In fact, research shows that human and non-human happiness are closely linked.¹

In a long and very interesting series of conversations, I conveyed this idea to a variety of people and they all agreed that it was time to address the increasing loss of animal existence globally – in the wild, in captivity – to all of us. Research into the broad areas of family, entrainment, and existential crisis. Here I would like to put forward the idea that for many people who care for abused animals, the decline in animal welfare is already an existential crisis, and unless action is taken now to stop the abuse, their incidence is likely to increase in the coming years. . Abusing other animals in our various relationships and encounters.

Compassion fatigue, compassion fatigue, and burnout: The costs of care.

Studies have shown that many people working to make the world a better place for humans and other animals suffer from a variety of psychological conditions, including compassion fatigue, empathy fatigue, and general burnout. Traumatic compassion fatigue and compassion fatigue are often close neighbors.

Compassion fatigue can be characterized by: “People whose occupations involve prolonged exposure to the trauma of others may be vulnerable to compassion fatigue, also known as secondary or vicarious trauma. They may experience acute symptoms that put their physical and mental health at risk. They may be wary of giving and caring. It’s about making them do it.” empathy fatigue “The emotional and physical exhaustion that comes from caring for people every day… Over time, you start to see people feeling numb and distant or having difficulty continuing to care.”

Although these and most other definitions refer only to people who care for other humans, people who care for non-humans also suffer from varying degrees of compassion and empathy fatigue. Many people lose hope and stop doing what they love: caring for non-humans. Mary and Jonas, two people who have worked tirelessly in a variety of settings caring for abused animals, once told me much the same thing. The problem is that they cannot continue to participate in a care situation that never ends. It killed them and caused damage to everyone it interacted with, whether human or non-human.

Self-care is important to stay healthy and active

Here are some tips that I and others have found useful for avoiding compassion and empathy fatigue.

• Think positively. Don’t let people bring you down. I’m not a blind optimist, but with all the “bad” things, there are also “good” things happening and that’s what at least gets me fired up and fired up again. Negativity is a waste of time and energy. All good people should keep doing their current jobs for as long as possible. For me at least, this means every now and then I rekindle, take a deep breath, and enjoy something. take pleasure in. The bottom line is that you can take care of yourself and do what you do for as long as possible.
• We care about people and we don’t have to apologize for our feelings.
• Be proactive. We need to look at what is happening and prevent further abuse, not just “put out the fire” where it has started.
• Be kind and kind to people you disagree with and move on. Sometimes it’s better to just leave something alone, so choose your “battles” carefully and don’t waste your time and energy. Don’t waste your time “fighting” with people who won’t change, and don’t let them distract you from the important work you need to do. Don’t engage in useless “peeing matches” with people who want you to waste your precious time and energy fighting them, time and energy that should be spent working for animals, the planet, peace and justice.
• Please teach your children well. Because children are ambassadors for a more harmonious, peaceful, compassionate and gentle world.

Expanding the definition and scope of existential crisis

Compassion and empathy fatigue experienced by many people working on animal welfare is an existential crisis, and should be viewed as such. By doing so, we can only hope that these people can get the treatment they really need and continue to live out their hopes and dreams for a long time to come. Accusing them of being “animal rights activists” or “radicals” is misleading, insulting, and doesn’t capture the dedication these people have made to helping a variety of animals in need.

Little details don’t matter when we make humane choices when it comes to animals, and dedicated carers need to know that they are making a big difference in the lives of the animals they work with. When this happens, compassion and empathy fatigue are likely to be reduced, and animals will also benefit, making it a win-win for everyone.