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Last spring I experienced the height of burn-out. I decided to take a solo trip hiking in Big Bend. It was so cathartic. I have two more solo trips planned. A three day in November and a week long next spring. I found such peace and serenity in my days and nights. I am enjoying hiking locally in between my trips. I will continue my reading and journaling as well.

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After reflecting on the resources, compassion fatigue is prevalent and pervasive in mental health and counseling. Counselors are at high risk for burn-out due to the close relationships formed with their clients and the profound nature of each session. Unrealistic workloads often diminish feelings of accomplishment which tend to lead to discouragement and decrease job satisfaction. ASCA ethics sites the need for counselors to recognize stress and trauma and practice both wellness and self-care. I recognize I am not able to pour from an empty cup and the importance of practicing wellness and self-care.

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There are a plethora of analogies that come to mind here. The one with the greatest impact is when flying. We are instructed to put on our oxygen mask before helping others. If we are not in an appropriate place and are depleted, we are not able to help others. You will not be providing the best care and it becomes unethical. Self-care is critical for your personal and professional well-being.

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Without self-care burn-out and compassion fatigue are common within mental health profession. It is important to know your limits and set professional boundaries. There are a variety of self-care practices that can be utilized depending on the individual. Yoga, hiking, walking, or other forms of exercising are healthy forms of care. Journaling, self reflecting, and faith are other ways to balance stress and compassion fatigue. I am an introverted person, I recognize the importance of carving out quiet after the daily storm. Whether this be a silent car ride home, fifteen minutes of sitting at my desk with the door closed in silence, or sitting in my car before I enter my home, I know that I must reflect, gather the thoughts of the days and set them aside before I enter time with my family. I also love to read. I know that with classes on top of the daily demands of my school counseling workload reading will be difficult. I will schedule Sunday evenings after assignments are turned in for pleasure reading. I have also added walking and hiking to my self-care regimen.