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Topic Tuesday // Staying safe while supporting others // April 18, 7pm AEST

NikNikSenior Contributor

Topic Tuesday // Staying safe while supporting others // April 18, 7pm AEST

Supporting and being there for others when they are going through a rough time is one of the most selfless things we can do. However, we can't be effective if our own mental health is compromised.

During this Topic Tuesday we will tackle questions like:

- How do I create and enforce my own boundaries without hurting the person I'm supporting?

- What are the different forms of support people find helpful?

- What can I do when supporting someone impacts on my own mental health?

248 replies

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In response to: Topic Tuesday // Staying safe while supporting others // April 18, 7pm AEST

Phoenix_RisingSenior Contributor

Re: Topic Tuesday // Staying safe while supporting others // April 18, 7pm AEST

@Spookytookims yep, you have described the situation well. All the people who have disappeared out of my life WANTED to help. They are not in any way bad people. I guess the reason I shared this is because I can see how well it fits with what @NikNik said about how it is not helpful for the person being supported, for the supporter to dive in without self awareness about boundaries, self-care etc.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Staying safe while supporting others // April 18, 7pm AEST

NikNikSenior Contributor

Re: Topic Tuesday // Staying safe while supporting others // April 18, 7pm AEST

Oh what a great analogy @soul
Make sure you put your own breathing mask on first
So true!

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Staying safe while supporting others // April 18, 7pm AEST

Unknown userMember

Re: Topic Tuesday // Staying safe while supporting others // April 18, 7pm AEST

Phoenix_Rising, I empathize with that feeling you have, letting people close then they walk away, so we trust less and less, hugz on that, keep trying.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Staying safe while supporting others // April 18, 7pm AEST

Zoe7Senior Contributor

Re: Topic Tuesday // Staying safe while supporting others // April 18, 7pm AEST

For me @Former-Member it is when I do not have the ability to think clearly and both daily activities and trauma related thoughts integrate and I am unable to function in any situation.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Staying safe while supporting others // April 18, 7pm AEST

OdetteContributor

Re: Topic Tuesday // Staying safe while supporting others // April 18, 7pm AEST

Same here @Mazarita. I have definitely had compassion fatigue too after reading @NikNik's description.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Staying safe while supporting others // April 18, 7pm AEST

NikNikSenior Contributor

Re: Topic Tuesday // Staying safe while supporting others // April 18, 7pm AEST

@Former-Member - burn out is definitely linked to a whole aspect of different areas of our life. Not just supporting other people.

A whole lot of other stressors can be part of burn out.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Staying safe while supporting others // April 18, 7pm AEST

soulSenior Contributor

Re: Topic Tuesday // Staying safe while supporting others // April 18, 7pm AEST

Sometimes it's important to know your limitations when it comes to caring. A situation can be such that it is dangerous for you to be involved and you have to remove yourself for everyone's sakes.

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Staying safe while supporting others // April 18, 7pm AEST

SmcSenior Contributor

Re: Topic Tuesday // Staying safe while supporting others // April 18, 7pm AEST

@NikNik, going by that i'm probably in burnout mode. Somewhere between 2 and 3. I seem to be death wish resistant, but sometimes it feels like being able to wake up when it's all settled down would be welcome. A bit like that feeling that happens partway through labour, when you want to stop it all for a bit and come back to finish the job after a good night's rest. And just as impossible.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Staying safe while supporting others // April 18, 7pm AEST

Shaz51Senior Contributor

Re: Topic Tuesday // Staying safe while supporting others // April 18, 7pm AEST

Same here @Mazarita @Odette. I have definitely had compassion fatigue too after reading @NikNik's description.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Staying safe while supporting others // April 18, 7pm AEST

Ash89Casual Contributor

Re: Topic Tuesday // Staying safe while supporting others // April 18, 7pm AEST

I've had to remove myself from situations for other people's sakes in the past. It's hard.
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SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

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