Practicum 1: Field Education SOWK 481 section 001

Professor Ottone

Zayda Swick

October 22, 2023

 Managing Stress in Social Work

Social work practice is an emotional and justice driven field. Social work requires

constant empathy with an overwhelming number of clients and limited resources. I am the type

of person that prefers to know all the bad things that exist in the world. I am subject to being

overwhelmed, burdened, and disassociation. In social work practice, it is common to struggle

with forms of ptsd due to the constant demands that are expected of professionals. Burnout can

appear in many dimensions and lead to different stages. My burnout is likely to happen after I

start to see circumstances that I cannot change due to laws and restrictions. I would get caught in

the compulsion to prove and meet demands. In return this would lead to me neglecting my own

needs. I might find difficulty in balancing work and home life the most. I tend to carry stress

with me in an effort to avoid facing it. This would manifest itself into burnout very quickly if I

am not aware and accountable.

The concept of burnout was something I assumed could only happen from constant stress.

However, burnout can be caused by a multitude of factors such as support systems, family

matters, and self-care practices. If I had a balanced workload, then I would not be subject to

burnout. I realized that burnout could occur and impact my capabilities to perform even if my

workload is light. Moving forward I would address my mental state and stressors regularly

through journaling, so I can be aware of any emotions hindering my ability to perform

professionally. I would address these situations with my support system and supervisor to

prevent them from impacting my work.

When I am subjected to stressful situations, others tend to find me either calming or stress

inducing. Past situations have shown me that I can strive and take leadership in chaotic

situations. During an active fire drill where protocol was never discussed, I led my class of two-

year-olds in a calm and timely manner into the front of the building. I managed this situation by
acting as a leader and supporter to my coworkers and students during an unknown situation. I

was told by my coworkers that I succeeded in bringing structure and positivity in a troubling

circumstance. Other times, I have been told that my stress has caused me to lash out in other

conflicts. I will use this knowledge of self-awareness to determine how I communicate with

others. Calm, clear communication helps to prevent self-burnout and the burnout of others.

Managing stress reinforces my values and beliefs constantly. As a social work

professional, I will have to perform duties that are unimportant to me. I must consistently

evaluate my mindset on how I view my energy and time. By enhancing self-awareness and self-

control I can reduce the effects stress has on my performance and character. I will be aware of

emotional buildup and release frustration. My core value will always be my faith in Jesus. I

might have to make legal decisions that go against my beliefs. Although this value may cause

convictions it’ll also be my sense of strength in managing stress. Turning to religion helps me

manage the burdens of responsibilities and life circumstances.

The educational video did a great job of explaining in depth what burnout is and why it

occurs. My most significant takeaway from the burnout video was the concept of cynicism. I will

have to remain mindful to keep from overgeneralizing conflict and making it black and white.

Cynicism is an effect of burnout, and it is one that I would fall into easily. I would use my self-

awareness of this concept in my self-care approaches. To stop myself from becoming cynical I

would practice journaling gratitude and positivity as well as any other emotions I feel during a

work week. My short-term goal is to fill out my mindfulness journal weekly. A long-term goal to

prevent burnout and practice self-care is to see a regular therapist. This will help me to stay

emotionally regulated longterm regardless of what is currently occurring in my life on a graduate

and post-graduate level. Therapy will help me to face the anxiety, depression, stress,

depersonalization, and emotional exhaustion of the demands of the healthcare workforce. The
articles section on moral injury was most significant to me. Morally challenging decisions can

lead to drastic mental impacts. Therapy will also help me to voice my emotional concerns and

convictions. Overall, I will manage stress by journaling and seeking emotional support through

long-term post-grad therapy.