Topic Tuesday // How to support yourself while supporting others // Tues 18 June, 7pm AEST

I am liking this term compassion fatigure, I agree with what you say about it being a relief instead of feeling like i am insensitive. I'm going to investigate that term further thank you

Hi everyone.

Here's a new version of what I was trying to communicate (at the start of discussion).

I work with people who have intellectual & physical disabilities.

Many are non-verbal.

Many have "challenging behaviours".

I am physically assaulted at least weekly.

Working with these people is very draining, even after a short shift.

I have complex PTSD from childhood (& young adulthood) - which is triggered or made worse, working with these people.

Adge

bout early warning signs we may be becoming compassion fatigued @greenspace .
@Former-Member

Super impressed by all of your input, and really good energy tonight @Froggyhawk @greenspace @eth @Shaz51 and others 😄

Onto Discussion Point 3!

Sometimes when we take on too much of someone else’s challenges whilst managing our own, we may experience varying side effects such as irritability, chronic exhaustion and sometimes even trouble sleeping.

What are some initial strategies in managing the dual role of self-recovery whilst supporting someone else’s?

@eheadspace

Great point @Shakeelah25

Thanks so much for reposting @Adge !

Do you get much support at your work? Debriefing? Reflective breaks? Sometimes these things can help, but I know each employer can be a bit different. I hope you find some nice strategies in this chat tonight

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@Shaz51 wrote:

ohhh @Adge

Pease explain @eheadspace .@greenspace

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I don't know, @Shaz51 , I'm not a moderator

@Froggyhawk So glad to hear, there's quite a lot about it online! It's a very real thing, and quite common.

Valuing and prioritising self care is really important here and even more important when we are starting to feel the impact of caring for others.

Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, good nutrition and some exercise if you can, are all important pillars that make up good self care practices and can hold us in good stead when we need the energy to continue caring for others.

When I start to feel myself becoming depleted from work or caring for a loved one in my personal life, I try to pay extra attention to what I am putting in my body, so I try to increase my fruit and vegetable intake, make sure I’m drinking enough water. It’s also important to limit alcohol/drugs as this can lead to increased energy and a clearer mind, making it easier to work out what you need to do to maintain your recovery.

I have also found mindfulness and grounding techniques can help with those overwhelming /big feelings that can consume us during moments of increased stress.

I know it might feel daunting to attend to our own self care when we are feeling exhausted from caring for others and managing complex mental health issues, so starting with small things that feel achievable is important, everyone’s “small , manageable goals” will look different but for me this may look like going for a walk around the block, drinking a glass of water, having a cup of herbal tea and just breathing all go a long way.

Share the load, reach out to your own support network, you aren’t expected to be able to be everything for your loved one/mate, there are parts of their recovery that need to be attended to by others like other people in their life and mental health professionals.