Self-care for social workers
As Social Workers we are committed to promoting healing and wellness at a micro, mezzo, and macro level. We are at a higher risk for compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. Preserving our wellness is as important as the work that we promote and provide on a daily basis. Check out the links below.
Articles and Links
Introduction to Self-Care
How Social Workers Can Prioritize Self-Care in High-Stress Working Environments
How Social Workers Can Prioritize Self-Care in High-Stress Working Environments
Whether you are a student or a professional working in the field, self-care matters!
As a student going through an MSW (or other clinical) program, you are expected to balance your coursework, internships, work responsibilities, and home life. As a professional, you face many of these same expectations and challenges. Self-care is a practice that will help you limit the stresses and strains that you are bound to encounter in your academic and professional career and cope with those that do arise.
How Social Workers Can Prioritize Self-Care in High-Stress Working Environments
How Social Workers Can Prioritize Self-Care in High-Stress Working Environments
How Social Workers Can Prioritize Self-Care in High-Stress Working Environments
Mitigate your risk for experiencing secondary trauma and burnout by implementing these tips for promoting mental wellbeing while working in a demanding social services role.
“Whether you're just starting your career or you’ve been practicing for 20 years, every social worker is susceptible to the stressors that are part and parcel of the profession,” Hydon said. “It’s important that none of us neglect our own needs and that others outside of the profession have an awareness of the unique risks of social work so they can act as better supporters and advocates to create systems that mitigate some of these risks.”
Steve Hydon, a professor in the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work (https://dworakpeck.usc.edu)
The Art of Self-Care for Social Workers
How Social Workers Can Prioritize Self-Care in High-Stress Working Environments
The Art of Self-Care for Social Workers
"In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, social workers everywhere are faced with anxious clients, overwhelming work demands, and challenging decisions that involve the safety of clients, and also their own personal safety. Simply put, the profession of social work as we know it is changing—not just rapidly, but exponentially. To our social work colleagues reading this, know that you are not alone and that together we will work to get through this challenging time day by day, client by client. "
By Alexandrya Blackmon, LBSW, MSW, and Terricka Hardy, LCSW, ACSW, BCD, CCFP
Self-care is Radical
Healthcare Providers & Staff Compassion Fatigue at the Time of COVID-19: Risk and Protective Factors
The Art of Self-Care for Social Workers
Raymonda C. Reese is a mental health clinician and a University of Washington School of Social Work Graduate. Through her time working with youth, she has learned valuable lessons about self-care and the importance of community care. In her talk, Raymonda discusses the differences between self care and community care and teaches how to create spaces for people to support ourselves and those around us.
4K Virtual Hike Near River through the Forest
Healthcare Providers & Staff Compassion Fatigue at the Time of COVID-19: Risk and Protective Factors
Healthcare Providers & Staff Compassion Fatigue at the Time of COVID-19: Risk and Protective Factors
Take a virtual audio or visual break with this virtual nature hike.
Healthcare Providers & Staff Compassion Fatigue at the Time of COVID-19: Risk and Protective Factors
Healthcare Providers & Staff Compassion Fatigue at the Time of COVID-19: Risk and Protective Factors
Healthcare Providers & Staff Compassion Fatigue at the Time of COVID-19: Risk and Protective Factors
"Compassion fatigue can happen to anyone—the people that seem most at risk are medical and mental health providers who care for patients day after day who are struggling with significant symptoms. Learn the risk and protective factors for caregiver burnout. "
- Psych Hub, LLC
Compassion Fatigue: What is it and do you have it?
In this compelling talk, Juliette introduces us to “Compassion Fatigue." A hugely pervasive syndrome that not only affects people like professional caregivers but also most of us one way or another. Compassion Fatigue can potentially happen to any age group. From people in their twenties right up to their senior years. It is an important, critical topic that Juliette has pulled out of the shadows so that we can recognize the symptoms and develop a renewed resilience to teach ourselves how to continue to give compassion without sacrificing ourselves and our lives.
- The following summary is provided to TED by TEDxFargo
How to deal with Compassion fatigue?
In this talk Sharmeen discusses the rare known phenomenon of Compassion Fatigue and some experiential tips on how to deal with it.