Take Care of Yourself. by

Takeaway - Reviewing Resources

lydiagallegos00 — 2024-10-28 00:36:38 UTC

Burnout and secondary trauma are heavily experienced by those in this direct practice of the mental health field. As I work with others, I have come to notice that burnout is much more profound than just feeling "a little tired". Diving deeper into the resources has broadened my own understanding of what it means being burntout and the many factors that come into play while working with clients with very high needs.

Importance of Self-Care

lydiagallegos00 — 2024-10-28 01:15:41 UTC

If you do not choose a day to rest, your body is going to choose it for you and I have learned it will not be a good day. It seems very easy to tell someone to take care of themself, but difficult to take our own advice. As many of these resources have stated, how are we able to effectively carry out our duties of helping others when we are not helping ourselves? I cannot execute my duties as a mental health professional for others if I am not addressing my own needs.

How I take care

lydiagallegos00 — 2024-10-28 01:23:39 UTC

Being active has helped my physical well-being as well as my mental well-being. I enjoy taking long walks to clear my head and hiking in the mountains. I utilize my PTO every other Friday to take a day and do something for myself to begin my weekend.

Being outside where I can see shades of green help my brain not feel so scattered. I often will go to my parent's house and mow their lawn when I have free time. It feels therapeutic.

My coworkers and I have established a girl's night every Thursday. We make dinner and have a moment where we debrief about our work week.

I try and dedicate my Sundays to church with my family. I ask for guidance in my career and for me to be used to help serve others. I use this time to practice gratitude and be thankful for my bad days as they direct me to why I do my job and what keeps me grounded.

Hiking/Walking

lydiagallegos00 — 2024-10-28 01:31:07 UTC

A solo hike I took in New Mexico. It was refreshing to be so high up and away from others.

Mowing

lydiagallegos00 — 2024-10-28 01:34:59 UTC

Interesting to think I used to dread mowing as a chore when I was 15. 10 years later and I do this voluntarily to help clear my head.

Gatherings with good company

lydiagallegos00 — 2024-10-28 01:41:10 UTC

Pictured above is a recent girl's night I had with my coworkers as I spit out my water from laughter. We established a fostering relationship as coworkers outside of work while holding each other accountable of our own needs to be able to effectively carry out work duties.

Praying/Practicing Gratitude

lydiagallegos00 — 2024-10-28 01:54:50 UTC