OTLA Trial Lawyer Winter 2021

45 Trial Lawyer • Winter 2021 out. Some of the most common addi- tional, identifying indicators of compas- sion fatigue include: • Experiencing disturbing and intrusive thoughts and images. • Viewing the world as a hostile and dangerous place. • Unwillingness or inability to work on certain types of cases or in certain environments that trigger particu- larly strong negative reactions. Prevention Burnout and compassion fatigue are conditions that can be prevented, stopped or mitigated. Recommendations for do- ing so are essentially the same: Self-care. The recommendations listed below are taken from current research, as well as from interviews with lawyers who’ve experienced and overcome these condi- tions. • Self-awareness. This is the essential starting place. Introspection, periodic self-assessment and being alert to the symptoms listed above. Consider making a list of situations that trigger your symptoms (like anxiety, frustra- tion, feelings of helplessness) and thoughtfully consider ways to adjust or change the situations, as needed. • Share, confide, seek assistance. Law- yers experiencing these conditions uniformly agree. Do not hide how you are doing. Seek out trusted sup- port people and trained professionals, including the OAAP to talk with. If alcohol, drugs or similar conditions are contributing to your current con- dition, consider contacting the OAAP for resources (https://oaap.org/ about/). And, if office organization is a contributing cause, consider con- tacting PLF’s Practice Management Team, https://osbplf.org/practice- management/practice-management- attorneys.html. Use resources! This is a must! • Self-care. Proactively engaging in personal self-care is preventative. It See Burnout p 46