I can handle it. It's not so bad. Others can and are handling more.
It is important to recognize when our body, brain, and/or spirit has had enough. It is easy to look around us and see how others appear to be moving along smoothly and wonder "Why can't I be like that?". In reality, we don't know what that individual is going through or the unseen struggles they are facing.
So how do we know when to take a step back?
1. Lack of interest and effort
2. Inability to stay focused
3. Exhaustion (physical and emotional)
4. Increase in frustration and cynicism
5. Thoughts that you are not good enough/not doing your job well
There are also some other symptoms to be aware of that indicate more serious levels of stress
1. Increase in fearfulness, especially in situations that others don't think of as frightening
2. Heart racing, increased headaches (especially tension headaches), shortness of breath
3. Excessive worrying and wary of every situation, easily startled or feel "on guard"
4. Feeling as though others' trauma is your own
5. Unable to make problems/troubles go away
These are all (but not an exhaustive list of) signs of burnout, compassion fatigue, and considerable stress. Be mindful and take note when you recognize these symptoms as they can grow quickly.
Sources:
American Psychological Association, 2022
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/01/special-burnout-stress
Substance Abuse and Mental Heath Services Administration, 2014 https://www.samhsa.gov/resource/dbhis/tips-disaster-responders-understanding-compassion-fatigue
