As you've probably noticed, around the nation more and more people are protesting their local stay-at-home policies. At first glance, it may seem easy to some to criticize those who are protesting for being shortsighted, selfish and/or foolish. So why are people protesting? Why are people starting to venture out more in some areas? Understanding what might be going on will help you immensely!

Before I go any further, this post is NOT about whether the protests are the right thing to do or not! While I understand the right and desire to protest, I am not endorsing that anyone violate any existing laws or regulations. That being said, enough people are arguing about this issue-we don't need to do the same here!

I think many people are protesting because they're experiencing compassion fatigue, and are at the end of their proverbial rope. Think about it friends-we have been in coronavirus alert mode since about January; high alert mode since the end of February; and full blown crisis mode since mid-March. 

What has happened since then?

• Approximately 45,000 Americans have died from the coronavirus (And counting)
• Over 22 million Americans (and counting) have lost their jobs. (Washington Post)
• Approximately 30% of Americans didn't pay rent (CNN)
• Oil prices have dropped to below 0. (CNN)
• The U.S. government has approved over $2 trillion in economic relief for the American people, companies and organizations (Heritage Foundation)
• A large percentage of the world's economy has shut down
• People hoarded years and years worth of toilet paper (What is that about??)

And, oh by the way, the news is reporting on this 24/7. People are commenting and arguing on social media about this 24/7. It's everywhere, with what feels like no end in sight. 

We were not meant to live in crisis mode all the time. Eventually everyone will need relief from the constant crisis. Which leads me back to the protests: I think these people are looking for relief. As a whole our nation has been doing the right thing. We have rallied together. We have handled the quarantine life pretty well.

When I'm out and about most of the people I see are wearing their masks, keeping their social distance, and trying to do the right thing. Yet the truth is over time all of this does take its toll. You see the effects of compassion fatigue in professions such as health care, law enforcement, social work, customer service, and yes, multifamily too. 

At some point it is inevitable that you're going to run out of fuel to keep on being compassionate, kind, servant-hearted, rule-following, patient, understanding, loving, empathetic-and on and on and on!

Here's the thing...even if YOU wouldn't choose to protest or violate a stay-at-home order, the compassion fatigue that is driving other people to do so can eventually affect YOU as well. 

If you find you're:

• Physically exhausted
• Mentally exhausted
• Emotionally exhausted
• You have less capacity for compassion, empathy and understanding
• If you're tired of dealing with residents who can't pay rent
• If the idea of talking to one more resident asking for a rent discount because their amenities are closed makes you want to scream
• If you're apathetic
• Or if you desire more isolation than normal (for you)
• Willing to say or do something that you normally wouldn't do
• You have difficulty sleeping
• Your work performance is affected

You might be experiencing compassion fatigue!

What can you do?

• Recognize and accept that this is happening. (It's okay if it is! It's a normal human response.)
• Talk about it with someone else
• Have honest discussions with your teammates about how to help each other during this time
• Eat well (Food has such a huge impact on our physical and emotional well-being!)
• Get as much sleep as you can (if you can't sleep, try and rest)
• Do something everyday that fills you up
• Have an honest discussion with your supervisor (or HR) if you are at your limit
• Don't take your work home with you
• Practice news and social media distancing
• Don't make radical changes to your life right now
• Start a hobby

Thank you!

I know it's just crazy right now! Thank you for what you're doing. You're taking care of your residents~ be sure to take care of you too!