SELF-CARE

Working with survivors of intimate partner violence can be incredibly rewarding, but
it can take a tremendous emotional toll and may create a state of emotional
exhaustion, and reduced personal accomplishment known as burnout. Burnout appears
to be a response to chronic stress rather than to occasional crisis. Giving to others
must be balanced with giving to ourselves.
Some suggestions for self-care include:

Taking mental health days

Relaxing your body at work

Get enough sleep

Monitor your negative thoughts

Engage in leisure activities

Keep a journal

Relaxation techniques (meditation, deep breathing, visualization)

Adapted from Wilson, K.J. (2005). When Violence Begins at Home. Chapter 15-Loving
Ourselves: Self-Care for Helpers. Hunter House Publications.
Further Resources

Self-Care Around the Holidays: http://gcadv.org/self-care-for-domesticviolence-advocates-around-the-holidays/

Manual on Self-Care and Managing Stress:

http://www.rhrc.org/resources/gbv/comm_manual/day4.pdf

Information on Vicarious Trauma and Self-Care:

http://www.plu.edu/womenscenter/widgets/documentsforms/items/vicarious-trauma.pdf