As far as I know this is entirely normal. Essentially it’s a psychological self-defence mechanism: if you don’t become numb you’ll burn out in short order. A very similar thing happens with ER doctors, many first responders, etc.
A typical “symptom” is developing a repertoire of jokes which to outsiders sound morbid, cynical, and horribly tasteless :-/
As far as I know this is entirely normal. Essentially it’s a psychological self-defence mechanism: if you don’t become numb you’ll burn out in short order. A very similar thing happens with ER doctors, many first responders, etc.
A typical “symptom” is developing a repertoire of jokes which to outsiders sound morbid, cynical, and horribly tasteless :-/
oh yes! Bless their souls with having to scrap melted skin off their suits.
I did not think of morbid jokes as a typical symptom...This explains a lot. Thank for pointing that out.