Part 3: Final Overview

There is no option to upload a photo, but I chose slide 10 but also like slide 11.
Looking at the self assessment was a big eye opener for me. I try my best to be in the zealot stage but there are times that I fall into the trajectories based on all the different symptoms that apply to myself. Makes me be more aware about how I want my life to be and to ensure I do what I can to make sure I get it to where I want to be.

I was unable to copy paste my screen shot to this page so I copy pasted the entire slide instead. 
Physical Symptoms
___ I have had increased absenteeism “sick days”___
I have been feeling physically ill___
I have been feeling fatigued___
I have been feeling keyed-up and nervous___
I am doing less rather than more exercise___
Normal sleep has been more difficult for me___
I have lost enjoyment in intimate and sexual activities
Psychological Symptoms
___ I have noticed myself being more cynical and pessimistic___
I have tried to avoid feelings by numbing or shutting down___
I have had work-related nightmares/bad dreams___
I have lost interest and enjoyment in activities___
I am doing less rather than more exercise___
I have difficulty in making decisions or make poor decisions___
I feel like I have lost some of my self-esteem

I enjoyed this slide the most because it helps me understand whether or not I have most of these symptoms or any of these symptoms to give me a diagnosis on how I cope with certain levels as stress as a person and a teacher. There are nights where I dream about work and I would second guess myself on certain situations that I acted on to help resolve a problem from an incident that occurred at my school. Sometimes a 20 minute drive home helps me not remember what had happened during school, and then it would pop up in my thoughts later that night. I feel I am getting better at coping with my problems and level of stress by simply talking to people including other teachers. Almost everyone I talk to at my school seem to be on the same page as me. 

 I do not know how to get the screenshot of the slide in here! It's the quotes on slide 2. It is nice to hear that others have the same thoughts as I do. As a Special Education teacher, you always think differently than the gen ed teachers when it comes to students, their needs, and what is best for them! Often, we are found supporting them and going above and beyond, against teachers. In this we do become compassion fatigued and exhausted.

I took a screenshot but I do not believe it gives me the option to upload a photo.

I liked the second slide's relative quotes because I felt like these quotes do a great job of encompassing compassion fatigue and the reasons behind it. I feel that I can relate to these quotes.

I found the first slide to be the most impactful.  I loved the quote from Rachel Remem, "The expectation that we can be immersed in suffering and loss daily and not be touched by it is as unrealistic as expecting to be able to walk through water without getting wet."  This quote is so true.  We are impacted daily by the students that we work with and their family lives and trauma that they deal with at home.  It is always so sad to listen to my students share about life at home.  It makes me so thankful for what I have and what my children grew up having...a trauma free childhood.  

The slide stating Relevant quotes seems to summarize up most of compassion fatigue. I myself as well as others tend to try to heal wounds rather than just listening. I have learned from past experiences in health care that people just want to be listened to. This relates to compassion satisfaction by just being present and listening rather than fixing. Otherwise we ourselves will get wounded. Something simple as just being present and letting others open up can be so beneficial.

Reviewing the symptoms of compassion fatigue catches my attention because reviewing the list is a way of self monitoring so I can catch myself as I start slipping through the stages and I can take the necessary steps to "save" myself, get into a more positive head space so I can take care of myself and take better care of my students. 

I chose slide number 2. I like the quotes because they ring true with me. Even though sometimes we get 'wet' we are not drowning. It is ok to be compassionate and not always find a solution.

Avoidance Symptoms
Loss of enjoyment in activities/cessation of self-care
Loss of hope/sense of dread working with certain students
Loss of sense of competence/potency
Secretive self-medication/addiction


Slide 8 (there was nowhere to upload an image)

   Intrusive Symptoms

• Thoughts/images associated with student trauma
• Obsessive/compulsive desire to help certain students
• Inability to let go of work-related matters
• Thoughts/feelings of inadequacy as a caregiver

I like this slide because it reminds of the things I am constantly addressing.  Leaning to leave work at work, not obsessing about issues that my students are dealing with.  It is hard when you know you are limited it what you can do and focusing on being their for them in your capacity to do so.