I liked learning about the difference between burnout and compassion fatigue. Burnout is when outside factors such as a negative attitude towards others and an increasing feeling of being unsuccessful, cause the counselor to become unmotivated. Compassion fatigue is a natural consequence in a helping profession.

86.9% of first responders experience compassion fatigue. While this statistic is not related to counseling, it's eye-opening to read and important to help people understand that compassion fatigue WILL happen.

As I enter this field, it will be important for me to understand that I need to recognize burnout or compassion fatigue in myself and have a plan on how to address this so I can continue to be and give my best to my students.

The role of the school counselor is to believe and work towards making sure that every student who walks through the school doors believes they have the potential to succeed.

This is a huge undertaking, and burnout and fatigue can set in quickly if I do not have a plan in place to help me manage the job.

Self-Care ensures that we will be at our best to give our students what they need to succeed.

I find journaling to be very helpful, when I can put on paper all my thoughts, it helps me see things more clearly. I often find that when I start writing I am able to put down ideas that I never considered. I am an introvert, so spending time alone, listening to music, and writing helps me to feel refreshed.

I also recently joined Hot Worx it's a sauna room workout. The heat and the workout make me feel accomplished and I feel like I am pushing myself to be the best me I can be.