Why selectively muting your pain isn't an option

How self-care and self-compassion can help you take your finger off the emotional mute button

Over the past couple of weeks I’ve had the privilege of talking to some incredible people for a limited series podcast I’ll be launching this January. Yesterday I recorded an episode with my dear friend and colleague, Kristin Cox—a Behavioral Health and Peer Support Coordinator for the Seattle Fire Department and former Work-Life Supervisor/EAP Coordinator for the US Coast Guard.

Part of our discussion focused on the topic of compassion fatigue—a common condition amongst first responders and other helpers—that arises from the continuous exposure to the suffering and trauma of others, and is often referred to as the “cost of caring.” As we talked about how our brain and nervous system try to help us cope during times of stress, crisis, and trauma, Kristin shared an analogy that resonated for me and I thought might be helpful to you.

She explained that in the face of pain and trauma, many first responders and other helpers she works with will try to selectively mute their emotions.

The pr…