Compartmentalisation

Compartmentalisation

What is Compartmentalisation?

Compartmentalisation refers to a defense mechanism where we mentally separate any conflicting thoughts, emotions, or events to avoid the discomfort of contradiction.

When we are handling a few problems simultaneously, it can be challenging to stay focused to complete the necessary tasks. Putting a problem on hold by compartmentalising and focusing on the task at hand can help us to take action. Although disengaging with our emotions while on the job can be a valuable tool sometimes, it is not a long-term solution. These are some strategies that you can use to regulate your emotions while you continue carrying out your work as an emergency responder on the frontlines (check out more strategies for emotional regulation on the page for emotional fitness): Additionally, you can also focus on the task at hand by challenging any unhelpful thoughts that may ‘pop’ into your mind when you are on the job.

Lastly, you can speak to someone and/or an EBSC staff if you feel that disengaging with your emotions while on the job is affecting you at work and/or at home.

References

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