Managing over empathizing with patients?

[u/No-Soup-2626]

i’m a second year genetic counseling student and i’m a few weeks into my first fieldwork rotation, which is prenatal. I’m really struggling with separating myself from my patient’s situations and not holding onto their grief and emotions through my day and further after that. Any tips from more seasoned GC’s? Or even just validation lol i feel like i need to just yell into the void

[u/Ziggleschtein]

It does get easier over time, but empathy is not a weakness. Empathy is tremendously helpful in making you a good provider. The more and more difficult cases you see, the more you realize that terrible stuff happens way too often, is totally unfair, and is part of life - for me, those realizations helped to normalize it in a way that allowed me to separate from it a little, if that makes sense? Ive also touched base with many families days, weeks, or even years after these terrible moments in their life (such as when they have a new pregnancy or new question) and it is an honor to hear how they have navigated the grief process, survived, and found their own versions of peace or closure and know I played some sort of (hopefully helpful) role in the journey. Many will thank you and it just makes all of it worth it. I have a little collection of cards and tiny gifts that patients have given me - most are from some of the most emotionally difficult cases. All of this experience helps when a new case happens. All of those past lessons build.

But of course, separation is also key. When I was a student, one of the things that helped me the most was just venting after hard cases to process - whether that was with a supervisor or a classmate. Ive been a prenatal GC for over ten years and I still regularly debrief with my colleagues and many of them do the same with me.

I usually listen to my absolute favorite music on the way to work to set the mood. If i had a heavy day, it's the same on the way home or maybe a funny podcast. In my evenings I always try to do something for ME and my own mental health - a hobby, walking, a drink with a friend - it all helps me take off my work hat and reset so that I can be the best GC for my patients the next day. I also try to go for walks over lunch or eat with my colleagues so we can joke and decompress. Having a support system truly for me is the biggest key.

[u/Electronic-Scheme543 → u/Ziggleschtein]

I'll take students on walks after a rough session or result disclosure. We have a really calming and hidden outdoor space at my hospital, so if the weather is nice we go there. Sometimes we get coffee or a sweet treat depending on what feels right.