Your own wellbeing

Caring for and conducting research with laboratory animals can sometimes be physically and emotionally stressful. It is therefore important to take good care of yourself. 

That sounds easy, but in practice it is not always so. Because your work has to be done, because you feel responsible, because there is (too much) time pressure. Nevertheless, it is important to pause regularly, both literally and figuratively. Take a break, notice how you feel, or let off steam with a colleague.

From compassion fatigue to compassion satisfaction

Caring for or working with laboratory animals can lead to compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is emotional exhaustion that arises when you care for animals (or people) for a long time and, in the case of laboratory animals, sometimes even have to hurt or kill them. This can lead to stress, lower job satisfaction or even burnout, and sometimes also makes it difficult to feel empathy.

How to prevent compassion fatigue?

This study, among others, shows that more social support from your (work) environment leads to less compassion fatigue and more compassion satisfaction. Less stress and pain for the animals, combined with the possibility of human-animal interaction and more opportunities for enrichment, also leads to greater satisfaction. In addition, the feeling of control over your own work, especially when it comes to euthanasia, is an important factor in preventing compassion fatigue. This is because those who have to euthanise animals in particular appear to suffer from compassion fatigue, lower job satisfaction and burnout. 

Self-care is also important in preventing compassion fatigue. In addition, it is important that the subject is put on the agenda and remains there. At the AWB, we try to encourage this. Open communication is crucial, about your concerns, doubts and stress. And also clarity about dates on which euthanasia or other emotionally stressful things take place.

The 3Rs Collaborative created a page with tips that can make help combat symptoms of compassion fatigue.

You'll find more information on your own well-being on this page.