Stress Management

Remember that animals only come to WIRES attention when they are, displaced, diseased, injured or orphaned and many of the animals that come into care are unable to be saved meaning we often bear witness to their injuries and sometimes, even death. Over time, the emotional strain of these situations can build up and cause anxiety. Rescues can be stressful experiences. Knowing that an animal is suffering, trying to get there as quickly as possible, capturing distressed and injured animals and managing members of public can all elevate our stress. Stress can speed us up, can lead to bad decision making and makes us more likely to take risks.

It is important that WIRES rescuers and carers are self-aware of their own stress levels when managing situations such as these.

These situations can create more stress for us if we are:

• Unprepared for them
• Feel unhappy about them
• We don’t feel able to cope with them.

During the busy summer season, volunteers are often doing multiple difficult or stressful rescues. In combination with life's other challenges, this can cause ongoing stress in some people. Different people have different capacities to manage stressors, different level of resources and resilience and different reactions to stress. WIRES encourages volunteers to understand their own indicators of rising stress, to monitor resources and to take management of their own stress seriously.

Signs of stress overload – Contact your medical practitioner

The following are typical signs of stress overload. If you experience any of these symptoms, we urge you to take the necessary steps to address them. Ensure that you notify the WIRES Rescue Office to help reduce workload, and contact your medical practitioner if necessary.

• Anxiety or panic attacks
• A feeling of being constantly pressured and hassled
• Irritability and moodiness
• Physical symptoms, such as stomach problems, headaches or even chest pain
• Allergic reactions, such as eczema or asthma
• Problems sleeping
• Drinking too much, smoking, overeating or drug abuse
• Sadness or depression

It is important as a volunteer to manage the stress that occurs as part of the rescue process. Some steps to doing this include:

• Slow down - Instead of rushing, it is important to slow down, drive carefully and be systematic and careful in your rescue. 

• Breathe - take slow, deep breaths as you prepare and complete the rescue.

• Physically relax - As you exhale, let go of the muscle tension in your jaw, shoulders, hands etc. Try to let your body physically relax.

• Stay calm - Despite the distress of the animal and member of public, stay calm and allow yourself to complete the rescue step by step.

• Take the time to think - Despite the urge to rush in take the time to think about what you need for the rescue (including for self-care) and what is the best way to do this rescue.

WIRES values its volunteers and encourages seeking help from appropriate services if required. If you are overloaded or stressed, we suggest taking a break from volunteering until you feel as if you are in a position to resume. Saying no is difficult, especially if you feel as though your answer is going to disappoint someone. Your health is priority and if you aren't actively taking the time to check in with your personal wellbeing, volunteers may find they suffer from volunteer burnout and cannot maintain the energy or desire to continue rescuing and assisting animals in need.

For more info read about coping with stress and traumatic stress.