Counselor burn out and self care by Jasmine Smith

Professional Take Away

jsmith2004 — 2023-10-30 13:40:17 UTC

Before this reading, I knew things like burn out existed. I knew it was important to take care of yourself first so you can then take care of others. What I didn't know was that unchecked burnout will grow into things like compassion fatigue and even second hand depression. It's like a bad cut. You have to doctor the cut every day or else you are going to get an infection, which will lead to a much worse injury. It is important to take care of yourself, especially in such a giving profession.

Personal Self Care Strategies

jsmith2004 — 2023-10-30 13:44:54 UTC

I have loved going to a local walking trail after school each day and running/ walking the two mile track. Getting to be out in nature, away from a screen, working up a sweat and kicking off endorphins really helps me manage my stress. It also feels like a significant divider between my work day and my personal time. This helps me leave stress and bad days at work and not bring all the negativity home with me. I also find things to invest my time into. If I am just laying on the couch after school, I feel like I am wasting the few hours I have outside of work. If I do things like theatre and art and put my time towards creating something, then I feel fulfilled and like I am doing something worth while.

Importance of self care for professionals.

jsmith2004 — 2023-10-30 13:49:16 UTC

You can't pour out of an empty cup. This is true for any people profession where you are giving pieces of yourself to those around you. You can't give care to those around you when you aren't taking care of yourself.

jsmith2004 — 2023-10-30 13:52:04 UTC

jsmith2004 — 2023-10-30 13:52:17 UTC