# data[].attributes.body
Knowledge of Helper Professional burn-out is critical to health and success; by knowing and recognizing your own needs and boundaries, the Helper Professional can prevent full-fledged burnout. Thus, it is important to take the time to focus on one's own needs; according to Williams, “refrain from activity that may lead to inadequate professional services or diminish their effectiveness.”

Reference:

Williams, R. (2011, January 1). The importance of self-care. ASCA School Counselor.

https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Magazines/January-February-2011/The-Importance-of-Self-Care.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Scenario: You've noticed several changes, both physical and mental, in one of your colleagues. You're concerned about her drastic weight loss and have also noticed her difficulty in maintaining a conversation. This colleague currently shows a lack of focus and a lack of empathy for the students under her care, which is a drastic change from her previous commitment to her students.

# data[].attributes.headline
Importance of Self-care for the Helping Professional

# data[].attributes.subject
Importance of Self-care for the Helping Professional

# data[].attributes.body
According to the ASCA Ethical Standards, school counselors should "monitor their emotional and physical health and practice wellness to ensure optimal professional effectiveness." Due to an abundance of individuals' dependence upon the helper professional for emotional, social, and academic support through traumatic instances, it is imperative that the helper professional be able to recognize the warning signs that stressors may be impacting the productivity of the position.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) lists the following symptoms for burnout or compassion fatigue:

-helplessness,

-exhaustion,

-disorientation or confusion,

-frustration,

-cynicism,

-or irritability.

Additionally, the SAMHSA indicates that burnout and compassion fatigue may also present as physical symptoms:

-shortness of breath,

-headaches,

-struggles sleeping,

-or muscle tension.

By recognizing the warning signs and symptoms of burnout and compassion fatigue, the helper professional can focus on self-care and tending to their needs which enables them to better serve their students or clients.

References

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2023, August 1). Compassion fatigue and self-care for crisis counselors. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/dtac/ccp-toolkit/self-care-for-crisis-counselors

# data[].attributes.body
Develop a self-care plan that includes a healthy diet, intentional relaxation, physical activity, and adequate sleep (Hunter, 2016, p. 9-10);

Foster relationships with other helper professionals, establish routine check-ins and meet-ups. These relationships also provide an opportunity to celebrate successes and mourn sorrows with those who best understand (Schlund & Fitzgerald, 2021);

Remain in contact with family and friends; and

Stay informed of resources available for helper professionals (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2023).

Be open to professional counseling and medication, as needed. (Hunter, 2016, p. 10-11).

References

Hunter, S. T. (2016). Beyond the breaking point: examining the pieces of counselor burnout, compassion fatigue, and secondhand depression. VISTAS Online (91). https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/vistas/article_91_2016.pdf?sfvrsn=c3e2482c_4

Schlund, J. and Fitzgerald, A. (2021, January 28). Who helps the helpers? SEL for school counselors' mental health. ASCD. https://www.ascd.org/blogs/who-helps-the-helpers-social-emotional-learning-for-school-counselors-mental-health

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2023, August 1). Compassion fatigue and self-care for crisis counselors. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/dtac/ccp-toolkit/self-care-for-crisis-counselors

# data[].attributes.body
Through the years, gardening has become my self-care routine of choice. By increasing physical activity, gardening exposes me to the sun and increases my Vitamin D level, increases my oxygen intake, boosts my immunity, and reduces my stress. As I work the soil, I find that my thoughts move from work to a focus on my relationship with nature and God. Finally, I am proud of my backyard and potted creations. I am able to share photos, cuttings, and seeds with those I love.

# data[].attributes.body
As a child, I found reading to be my escape. I could travel places, become different people, learn compassion for others, and develop an extensive vocabulary that impressed my family. As an adult, I continue to read to escape the reality of a harsh world. Reading continues to grow my vocabulary and keep me grounded but now it also keeps me informed about current practices. And finally, when I read and move the focus from my reality to a fantasy world, I find that it is easier to relax and fall into a peaceful sleep.