Workplace Stress &

Compassion Fatigue
Courtney B. Walters, MA, LPC, NCC
cbwalte2@ncsu.edu
Session Objectives:
Define stress
Workplace stress
Compassion fatigue
Identifying stressors
Coping with stress and building
resilience
Guided Imagery
Demonstration
How EAP can help
 What is stress?
The term stress as it is
currently used was coined by
Hans Selye in 1936, who defined
it as the non-specific response
of the body to any demand for
change (What is stress? n.d.,
para. 1).
Good Stress vs. Bad Stress
The tricky thing about stress
(and the anxiety that comes with
it) is that its an absolutely
necessary emotion. Our brains
are wired such that its difficult
to take action until we feel at
least some level of this
emotional state. In fact,
performance peaks under the
heightened activation that
comes with moderate levels of
stress. As long as the stress isnt
prolonged, its harmless.
 Good Stress vs. Bad Stress
Characteristics of Eustress
(positive stress)
Provides mental alertness,
motivation, and efficiency
Provides burst of adrenaline
which can help you to accomplish
goals
Can increase self-esteem
Characteristics of Distress
(negative stress)
Occurs when your body cannot
return to a relaxed state, even
once the stressor is no longer
present
Negative physical and emotional
symptoms, such as changes in
eating or sleeping patterns,
anxiety, or depression.
Workplace Stress
Numerous studies show that
job stress is the major source
of stress for American adults
and that it has escalated
progressively over the past
few decades.
Increased levels of job stress
as assessed by the perception
of having little control but lots
of demands have been
demonstrated to be
associated with increased
rates of heart attack,
hypertension and other
disorders.
 Common Stressors in the Workplace
Lack of control
People problems
Work demands
Pressure to perform
Tight deadlines
Unclear expectations
Lack of resources, including
time or equipment
Lack of knowledge or skill
Sense of unfairness
Lack of appreciation or
recognition
Inadequate compensation
Conflict between your work
and your values or integrity
Conflict between your personal
and work responsibilities
Workplace Stress Statistics
 The National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) Report
40% of workers reported their job was very or extremely stressful.
25% view their jobs as the number one stressor in their lives.
3/4 of employees believe that workers have more on-the-job
stress than a generation ago.
29% of workers felt quite a bit or extremely stressed at work.
26 percent of workers said they were often or very often burned
out or stressed by their work.
Job stress is more strongly associated with health complaints
than financial or family problems.
 Attitudes in the American Workplace VII
(Workplace Stress Scale - handout)
80% of workers feel stress on the job, nearly half say they need
help in learning how to manage stress and 42% say their
coworkers need such help.
14% of respondents had felt like striking a coworker in the past
year, but didnt.
25% have felt like screaming or shouting because of job stress,
10% are concerned about an individual at work they fear could
become violent.
9% are aware of an assault or violent act in their workplace and
18% had experienced some sort of threat or verbal intimidation in
the past year.
 What is Compassion Fatigue?
"Compassion fatigue is a state experienced by those helping people
or animals in distress; it is an extreme state of tension and
preoccupation with the suffering of those being helped to the
degree that it can create a secondary traumatic stress for the
helper.
Emotional exhaustion, caused by the stress of caring for
traumatized or suffering animals or people.

Dr. Charles Figley

Professor, Paul Henry Kurzweg Distinguished Chair
Director, Tulane Traumatology Institute
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
http://www.compassionfatigue.org/
 Compassion Fatigue
Also referred to as:
Secondary Trauma Stress (STS) or Secondary Traumatic Stress
Disorder (STSD)
Vicarious Trauma
Secondary Victimization
Empathy Fatigue
Compassion Fatigue Animal Care Workers
Compassion fatigue is an occupational hazard of our work with
animals, whether you are an animal control officer or kennel
attendant in a small town or an internationally recognized
veterinarian. Our work requires that we compassionately and
effectively respond to the constant demand to be helping those
who are suffering and in need.

Jessica Dolce
Certified Compassion Fatigue Educator
http://jessicadolce.com/
 Animal shelter workers cope with
compassion fatigue Sacramento Bee
(article)
Animal care professionals are some of the most pain-saturated
people I have ever worked with. The very thing that makes them
great at their work their empathy and dedication and love for
animals makes them vulnerable.

J. Eric Gentry
Psychotherapist located in Florida
http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article7441172.html
AVMA Research
Results from the first mental health survey of U.S. veterinarians show
that they are more likely to suffer from psychiatric disorders,
experience bouts of depression, and have suicidal thoughts compared
with the U.S. adult population. Specifically, these data suggest that
nearly one in 10 U.S. veterinarians might experience serious
psychological distress, and more than one in six might have
contemplated suicide since graduation.

Larkin, M. (2015). Study: 1 in 6 veterinarians have considered

suicide. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical
Association. Retrieved from
https://www.avma.org/News/JAVMANews/Pages/150401d.asp
x
 Common Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue
Bottled-up emotions
Sadness and apathy
Inability to get pleasure from
activities that previously were
enjoyable
Isolation
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling mentally and physically
tired
Chronic physical ailments
https://www.avma.org/ProfessionalDevelopment/Personal/PeerAndWellness/Pages/compassion-
fatigue.aspx
Voicing excessive complaints
about your job, your
manager(s) and/or co-workers
Lack of self-care, including
poor hygiene and a drop-off in
your appearance
Recurring nightmares or
flashbacks
Substance abuse or other
compulsive behaviors such as
over-eating or gambling
 Workplace Symptoms of Compassion
Fatigue
High absenteeism Inability of staff to respect and
meet deadlines
Constant changes in co-
workers relationships Lack of flexibility among staff
members
Inability for teams to work well
together Negativism towards
management
Desire among staff members
to break company rules Strong reluctance toward
change
Outbreaks of aggressive
behaviors among staff Inability of staff to believe
improvement is possible
Inability of staff to complete
assignments and tasks Lack of a vision for the future
http://www.compassionfatigue.org/
 CS-CF Model (Professional Quality of Life)
Compassion Satisfaction
Positive aspects of working as a helper; the good stuff

Compassion Fatigue
Negative aspects of working as a helper; the bad stuff

Burnout
Inefficacy and feeling overwhelmed

Work-related traumatic stress

Primary traumatic stress direct target of event
Secondary traumatic exposure to event due to a relationship with the primary
person

Copyright Beth Hudnall Stamm http://www.proqol.org

 CS-CF Model (Professional Quality of Life)

Copyright Beth Hudnall Stamm http://www.proqol.org

Professional Quality of Life
Scale (ProQOL) (handout)
 Identifying Stressors
The first step to overcoming stress is to identify the different
sources of stress in your life.
This is not always as simple as you might think!
We often overlook (or deny) our own stress-inducing thoughts,
feelings, and behaviors.
Example Are you worried because a deadline is quickly
approaching, or is that worry actually caused by your own
procrastination?
 Identifying Stressors
To identify your authentic sources of stress, examine your habits,
attitudes, and excuses more closely:
Do you explain away stress as temporary even though you cant
remember the last time you took a breather? (I just have a million
things going on right now. It will get better once... is over.)
Do you define stress as an integral part of your work or home life
(Things are always crazy around here!) or as a part of your personality
(I just have a lot of nervous energy.)?
Do you blame your stress on other people or outside events, or view it
as entirely normal and expected?
Until you accept responsibility for your role in creating or maintaining it,
your level of stress will remain outside of your control.
Adapted from Rhodes College Student Counseling Center document, titled Identify the Sources of Stress in Your
Life.
http://www.rhodes.edu/counselingcenter/26220.asp
 Journaling to Identify Stressors
Keeping a journal can help you to identify the ongoing stressors in
your life. Each time you feel stressed, write an entry in your journal.
Over time, you will begin to see patterns and common themes.

What to write in your journal:

What caused your stress?
How did you feel about it? (both physically & emotionally)
How did you react? (thoughts & behaviors)
What did you do to make yourself feel better?
 Tactics for Coping with Stress Inventory
(handout)

First, lets take a look at your current coping behaviors

Complete the Tactics for Coping with Stress Inventory

Do you see any room for improvement?
 Unhealthy Coping Behaviors
Not sleeping or sleeping too
much
Overeating or not eating
enough
Smoking cigarettes
Abusing alcohol or drugs
Zoning out for hours in front of
the television, computer, etc.
Procrastination
Shopping (overspending)
Withdrawing from family,
friends, and enjoyable
activities
Taking your frustrations out on
other people
Avoiding the stressor
 Dealing with Stressful Situations:
The Four As

Ask yourself, What can I do about it?

You can either:

Change the Situation Change Yourself

AVOID the stressor ADAPT to the stressor
ALTER the stressor ACCEPT the stressor

Adapted from Stress Management: How to Reduce, Prevent, and Cope with Stress.
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm
 Avoid Unnecessary Stress
Not all stress can be avoided, and its not healthy to avoid a
situation that needs to be addressed. You may be surprised,
however, by the number of stressors in your life that you can
eliminate.
Learn how to say NO.
Avoid people who stress you out. (emotional vampires)
Take control of your environment.
Avoid topics that upset you.
Prioritize your to-do list.
Adapted from Stress Management: How to Reduce, Prevent, and Cope with Stress.
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm
 Alter the Situation
If you cant avoid a stressful situation, try to change it. Figure out
what you can do differently so the problem doesnt present itself in
the future. Often, this involves changing the way you communicate
and operate in your daily life.
Openly express your feelings.
Be more assertive.
Be willing to compromise.
Manage your time more efficiently.

Adapted from Stress Management: How to Reduce, Prevent, and Cope with Stress.
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm
 Adapt to the Stressor
If you cant change the stressor, change yourself. You can adapt to
stressful situations and regain your sense of control by changing
your expectations and attitude.
Reframe the situation.
Try to look at the bigger picture.
Adjust your personal expectations.
Focus on the positives.

Adapted from Stress Management: How to Reduce, Prevent, and Cope with Stress.
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm
 Acceptance
Some sources of stress are unavoidable. You cant prevent or
change stressors such as illness or the death of a loved one. In
such cases, the best way to cope with stress is to accept things as
they are. Acceptance may be difficult, but in the long run, its easier
than fighting a situation you cant change.
Dont try to control the uncontrollable.
Let go of anger and resentment. Learn forgiveness.
Confide in someone share your feelings.
Look for opportunities for personal growth.
Adapted from Stress Management: How to Reduce, Prevent, and Cope with Stress.
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm
 Managing Your Stress
Dont get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that you forget to
take care of your own needs. Nurturing yourself is a necessity, not a
luxury.
Set aside relaxation time. Include rest and relaxation in your daily
schedule.
Connect with others. Spend time with positive people who enhance your
life. A strong support system will buffer you from the negative effects of
stress.
Do something you enjoy every day. Make time for leisure activities that
bring you joy.
Keep your sense of humor. This includes the ability to laugh at yourself.
The act of laughing helps your body fight stress in a number of ways.
Adapted from Stress Management: How to Reduce, Prevent, and Cope with Stress.
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm
 Managing Your Stress
Make time for fun and relaxation.

Examples of some healthy ways to relax and recharge:

Go for a walk Play with a pet

Spend time outdoors, Get a massage
just enjoying nature Take a long bath
Write in a journal Read a book
Call a friend Watch a funny movie
Listen to music Enjoy a warm tea or
coffee
 Managing Your Stress
Adopt a healthy lifestyle. You can increase your resistance to stress by
strengthening your physical health.
Exercise regularly. Physical activity plays a key role in reducing and preventing
the effects of stress.
Eat a healthy diet. Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with
stress, so be mindful of what you eat.
Reduce caffeine and sugar. The temporary "highs" caffeine and sugar provide
often end in with a crash in mood and energy. By reducing the amount of
coffee, soft drinks, chocolate, and sugar snacks in your diet, youll feel more
relaxed and youll sleep better.
Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs may
provide an easy escape from stress, but the relief is only temporary.
Get enough sleep. Adequate sleep fuels your mind, as well as your body.
Feeling tired will increase your stress because it may cause you to think
irrationally.
Adapted from Stress Management: How to Reduce, Prevent, and Cope with Stress.
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm
 Stress Management Exercises
Breathing Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Meditation Imagery
Mindfulness Positive Affirmations
Art Therapy Yoga, Tai Chi

Which of these exercises are you

more likely to try?
Which of these exercises do you think
would be the most difficult for you?
Beach Visualization Activity
 FirsthHealth of the Carolinas
Employee Assistance Program
How to contact us:
Call our office at (910) 715-3444 or toll-free at (888) 278-4595.
You may also ask your supervisor or Human Resources
Department to assist you with scheduling an appointment.
Appointments are typically scheduled within three business days
(or sooner if urgent) at our office in Asheboro, Laurinburg,
Pinehurst, Rockingham or Troy.
 References
Davis, M., Robbins Eshelman, E, & McKay, M. (2008). The
relaxation and stress reduction workbook (6th ed.). Oakland, CA:
New Harbinger.
Identify the sources of stress in your life (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.rhodes.edu/counselingcenter/26220.asp.
Mills, H., Reiss, N., & Dombeck, M. (2008). Types Of Stressors (Eustress
Vs. Distress). Retrieved from
https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/types-of-stressors-eustress-
vs- distress/.
Smith, M., & Segal, R. (2015). Stress Management: How to Reduce,
Prevent, and Cope with Stress. Retrieved from
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-
management.htm.
What is stress? (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.stress.org/what-is-
stress/.