Most animal shelters are overrun, and many animals are put down every day.
The psychological effects of working in an animal shelter can be considerably damaging to the long-term mental health of employees and volunteers. Due to the sometimes hopeless nature of their work, where animals are routinely put to sleep, abused and homeless, these workers are subjected to a highly stressful environment. Over time, what begins as stress can turn into mental conditions that are far more serious.
Environmental Stress
Animal shelters are stressful environments because of the overwhelming population of stray and abandoned animals and the minimal resources available. Kennels are often overrun with homeless dogs and cats, many of which will be put down because of lack of funds and resources. Animal shelter workers witness animals losing their homes and families, and too frequently their lives. They also witness animals who have been victims of severe abuse, neglect and torture. Lack of support and understanding from people outside their work only exacerbates the stress shelter workers experience.
Mental Health Risks
The trauma felt by shelter workers is often compared to that of doctors, soldiers and policemen who suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder. A common syndrome experienced by animal shelter workers is compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is when a person reaches emotional exhaustion resulting from the ongoing care of animals or people who are suffering greatly. Over time, this exhaustion manifests as depression, destructive behaviors, alcoholism, drug addiction and even as serious physical health problems.
Signs and Symptoms of Severe Stress
Symptoms that indicate stress or emotional exhaustion are becoming serious include: changes in sleep or diet, isolation, chronic body aches, risky behaviors, substance abuse, anger, hopelessness and forgetfulness. Behaviors that compound these symptoms are drugs, caffeine, withdrawal from family and friends and denial of the problem.
Coping Techniques
There are several techniques you can use to cope with stress associated with animal shelter work. Some of these include exercise, good nutrition and rest, social networking, journal writing, hobbies and time management. If symptoms become severe, consult a doctor. Therapy might also be needed to resolve and cope with severe cases of stress and depression.
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