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

No @Former-Member No lunch break, either.

I rely on my psychologist appointments, & use of phone support lines - for any support or debriefing.

Adge

Well, I spent most of today writing job application for my depressed hubby who is hating his work (primary teacher - lots of bad kids). I saw it as something proactive I can do to help him, but if i am helping him then i am also helping me, if that makes sense? But, i do realise when i am doing that and i try to give myself a break. Tonight i thought I would try this forum and schedule it in. He has gone out to some other thing but if he was home i probably wouldn't take the time.

@Froggyhawk makes total sense, I am glad you took the time to log on tonight!

@Adge Gosh you do some amazing work.. That is quite incredible, you're a very resilient person no doubt. I am very glad you're linked in with a psychologist, much needed maintenance in that sort of frontline work

Sometimes when i try to share the load and reach out to friends, I find they don't respond any more, as if they are sick of me dealing with these issues and they don't want to hear. They don't have these things in their own lives.

I have done a Mindfulness course.

I do daily meditations - which include mindfulness & focus on my breathing.

I've been doing these for 8 years or so.

Meditations & focused breathing exercises help to improve my mood, re-focus my tired thinking.

They help to "Ground me" (as they say).

Adge

---

@Shaz51 wrote:

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

---

Hey @Shaz51, A few people have described their warning signs of compassion fatigue -- have a look at what @Kylie2, @Froggyhawk, @Shakeela and @eth said about it

@Froggyhawk Makes a lot of sense, helps both of you long-term. Very well done to you on being so self-aware and resilient throughout the process. Our carers forum has a lot of good resource too if you ever need ongoing online peer support 🙂

Sometimes when i try to share the load and reach out to friends, I find they don't respond any more, as if they are sick of me dealing with these issues and they don't want to hear. They don't have these things in their own lives.

@Adge I would like to find time for mindfulness. I admire your strength as your job is very important but it must be so hard to keep your own emotions in check.

Hi @Adge thanks for sharing your experience tonight. Really glad to hear that you have the support of a psychologist and that you are proactive in using support lines - you are utlising a support system that is designed for this very thing- To Support You!