Self-Care is a necessity for all mental health workers, but it is especially imperative that anyone just entering the profession practices healthy forms of self-care. The mental health field, and anyone with a “relationship intense,” role can easily experience compassion fatigue. The concept of compassion fatigue refers to exhaustion after a period of helping others through emotional, psychological, and/or physical trauma. (Figley, 2002)
While some may scoff at the idea of compassion fatigue, or self-care being a necessity, it is important that we view this as both a physical and mental health concern. A study completed with rural mental health workers showed 64.7% of them experienced some form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). (Figley, 2002) Self-care is an investment in individual, long-term mental health.
While this is a significant issue, there are a litany of options to practice effective self-care. Personal suggestions include mentor or peer support, instituting boundaries, and taking time to ourselves. Just beginning a profession can be daunting, and someone can become overwhelmed by their workload. Finding mentor or peer support can provide a space to vent, the benefit of learning from the experience of others, and the opportunity to build relationships. (Skovholt, 2010)
Instituting boundaries or saying “no” can feel very nerve-wracking when initially starting a position. No one wants to feel as though they are not a team player. However, saying “yes” to everything can lead to feeling overextended and burned out. Saying “no” establishes what is acceptable and unacceptable. For instance, deciding not to respond to emails beyond office hours lets others know when we are available and when we are unavailable. (Skovholt, 2010)
Lastly, finding time to ourselves can bring peace. This can include a ten minute break during the day, or thirty minutes of quiet at the end of a long workday. There should be a period of time everyday where an activity is completed specifically for personal enjoyment. Healthy options such as meditation or exercise can help to improve both physical and mental health.
Invest in yourself and reap the rewards!
Figley, C. R. (2002). Compassion fatigue: psychotherapists' chronic lack of self-care. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(11), 1433–41.
Mathieu, Francois (2007). Transforming Compassion Fatigue into Compassion Satisfaction: Top 12 Self-Care Tips for Helpers. WHP-Workshops for the Helping Professions.
Skovholt, T. M. (n.d.). The resilient practitioner (Third, Ser. Counselling and psychotherapy).
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