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Burnout: School counselors often feel burnout, which can cause poor work performance, negative thoughts, and take a heavy toll on one’s mental health. Without the support and proper guidance from administrators or district officials while maintaining a large caseload of students, burnout can often occur.

Compassion Fatigue: Students may have traumatic experiences that a school counselor is fully aware of. With being overwhelmed in helping others, the school counselor’s self-care and mental health may be negatively affected, which can lead to compassion fatigue.

Secondary Trauma: In dealing with secondary trauma, it is imperative that school counselors take care of themselves and practice self-care. Journaling, staying active, and eating healthy are some ways where I practice self-care.

The most profound information that I learned was the evaluation portion of when one gets burnout. It may be challenging for some to “check in” within themselves. School counselors have many roles and responsibilities as well as expectations to carry so therefore practicing self-care can sometimes be last on the to-do list. However, self-care is necessary and significant. When one starts to feel burnout, asking yourself the following questions is important.

1. Am I fulfilled in my personal life?

2. How am I taking care of myself?

3. Where are my relationships with my spouse, family, and friends? Is it where I want to be?

4. Am I being my best self at work?

5. Can I express my concerns to those at work? Do I have support?

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As a future school counselor, the importance of self-care is essential because I need to ensure I am emotionally and physically well before I can help others. Preserving my mental health and boundaries will fill my cup in helping and serving those in need. Without self-care, I might feel low in energy, irritable, and have issues with paying attention. With that said, it will affect my work performance because I am neglecting my needs and support. Self-care is crucial because it helps manage stress and elevates our energy.

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1. Sleep is a priority. Sleep is important because it provides me with a clear and fresh mind. With ample sleep and rest, I am able to focus, organize, and regulate my emotions and thoughts. Without enough sleep, I get frustrated easier, cannot multi-task, and may react emotionally.

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2. Relax by coloring. Coloring is a mindfulness activity where I can focus my attention on a simple task. It is very relaxing and therapeutic for me. Coloring shifts my mind to a calm place after a stressful workday.