Self-Care and Mental Health.

I knew I was done with being in the field, when I contemplated getting into a car accident to avoid visits with my clients.  Sad huh?  But it can get to that point.  Even though I was in despair, I was already applying for other positions and kept interviewing, patiently waiting for the “perfect position” to present itself (As if one really exist).  

I know many of my fellow Children Social Workers (CSW) aren’t as fortunate to move on from a field position, after a short period of time and sometimes it may feel like the department is purposely keeping you in that position. Sometimes this is very much the case. This is a business and they need hardworking individuals to make the business run like clockwork.  What upsets me is that the department says they care but they really don’t care about the psychological effects that comes along with this position.  If they did, they would give us the support we truly need and allow us to move to different positions without the barriers. 

In ER and CS, everything is an emergency that needs to be addressed at that moment, which can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. When I got to my new position, the pace was definitely different but the stressors and anxieties were still there because the crisis looked different. 

When you are anxious, your body feels like it is under a tremendous amount of stress all the time and anxiety is one of the most important factors significantly associated with weight gain.  I gained seven pounds when I got to my new position and since I’m sitting 90% of the time it’s easy to snack on unhealthy foods.

Two of the most proven cures for anxiety and stress are exercise and spending time in nature. Realistically, it is hard for us CSW’s to incorporate a consistent exercise routine let alone being in nature but a quick 15 minute walk around the building or parking lot will definitely help boost your mood and limit some of the stress.  

If a walk can’t fit into your agenda, other self-care tips include reading a book, chatting with co-workers and journaling.  Social Workers are always advocating and caring for others, placing our needs on the back burner, which ultimately burns us out a lot quicker.  It is time we focus on caring for ourselves so we can efficiently care for others.  Let’s change that narrative and keep our cups full.