Dealing with traumatic issues on a regular basis puts people at risk of themselves being traumatized
Lately, I have just found out something important.
Supporters of persons with severe mental health issues, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), risk getting severe Burnout Syndrome. This may be especially true for NGO workers in Cambodia working within psychosocial services. These people often make, more or less, conscientious commitments towards self-improvement and recognize it as a chance to develop their own personality pattern. However, few realize that dealing with traumatic issues or traumatized people on a regular basis puts them at risk of themselves being traumatized, or at the very least, suffering from mental or physical exhaustion. It is a fact that health care workers are prone to burnout…
Solutions:
1. Develop a realistic picture of yourself – know what you’re feeling and why.
2. Set realistic goals for yourself.
3. Recognize the symptoms of stress and burnout.
4. Ask for help when needed.
5. Develop a structural and personal support system.
6. Retain hope.
7. Develop a detached concern for recipients of your efforts.
8. Maintain an active personal social life outside of work.
9. Take a “time-out†when necessary.
10. Maintain a regimen of proper nutrition and physical exercise.
11. Develop a sense of organizational involvement.
12. Be willing to accept counseling when needed.
13. Develop self-therapies such as meditation, biofeedback, or relaxation response.
14. Accentuate the positive. (2)
15. To be able to support people who struggle with high tension and inner stress, professional social workers should educate themselves in anger management, conflict resolution, and relaxation techniques.
If you have found these symptoms in yourself or in other people, please read on.