Section 7: Health and Wellness

Many people never consider how their work impacts them emotionally. As caregivers, RSWs need to have a good understanding of how their work impacts their well-being.  Furthermore, it is crucial that you consistently engage in self-care activities to manage occupational hazards like vicarious trauma, vulnerability, occupational stress or compassion fatigue on a daily basis.

Take a minute to check in with yourself and reflect upon two questions:

1. What are you doing to reduce stress and to care for your body, heart, mind and spirit?
2. How do you recognize that you need to engage in self-care?

 For RSWs in private practice it can be difficult to find the time to relax and decompress, take advantage of extended health benefits, participate in peer groups or see a fellow professional who can support clinical supervision.  Make time for you.  Your clients will thank you.