Why is this Important?

• Our perceptions of ourselves matter
• Where we have been does not determine our future
• Statistics - Reflect on where you "should" be and where you are.

Wellness Starts with You!

1. Understanding Terms
   • Compassion Fatigue: Emotional and physical exhaustion from caring for others.
   • Vicarious Trauma: Impact from exposure to others' trauma.
   • Burnout: Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and powerless at work.
2. Key Organizational and Individual Factors
   • Burnout: Unclear expectations, high workloads, lack of control.
   • Vicarious Trauma: Lack of support, continuous exposure to trauma.
   • Compassion Fatigue: High caseloads, and inadequate support systems.

Recognizing Symptoms

• Symptoms include fatigue, cynicism, irritability, feeling overwhelmed, changes in sleep and appetite, etc.

Recovery and Resilience

• Recovering from Compassion Fatigue:
  • It's treatable; focus on tools, treatments, and hope.
  • Resilience: Ability to bounce back from difficulties. Not just enduring but learning and growing.

Self-Care and Creating a Culture of Mental Health

1. Self-Care
   • Healthy, restorative practices that genuinely improve well-being.
   • Activities may differ for each person; find what works for you.
2. At Home
   • Set aside "Me Time," be present, create boundaries, drink water, and take vacations.
   • At Work: Check in with co-workers, build boundaries, take breaks, and leave work at work.

  Peer Support

• Definition: Emotional support and shared experiences offered by peers.
• Types: Support groups, one-to-one support, online forums.
• Not: Telling "war stories" or competing over trauma.

New Initiatives

• Peer Support Networks: Building a culture of mental health and resilience in helping professions.
• Resources: Statewide networks and training for animal welfare professionals.

Building a Better Family Life

1. Communication: Open, honest conversations without distractions. Listen, understand, and forgive.
2. Taking Care of Your Partner: Make time for each other, find personal moments, and engage in honest communication.

Continuing Education Credit

Upon successful completion, students will receive a certificate of completion and become eligible to apply for continuing education credits from Colorado State University. Veterinary professionals may apply to receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

This class is approved for Colorado Bureau of Animal Protection Agents for CE credit.