It is important that we take a holistic view of self care as clinicians. For the families we serve, we hold more than a therapeutic role. In serving some cases we become an advocate, a planner, a protector, a support, a model for proper parenting, a source of transportation, a case manager, a housing representative, a sounding board, and even an object of which to take out the days frustration.
We also have to deal with stakeholder, supervisor, management, funders, timelines, feedback and numerous party expectations.
With all of these factors it is not a mystery as to why extreme stress or even burnout can occur before we are even able to address it. That is why it is important to always add the most important client to your caseload and that client is YOU! Without proper self care it becomes impossible for you to perform job duties to the best of your abilities and care for the needs of your client.
Whenever I travel on a air plane I am always keen to the reminder of the flight attendant that in case of an emergency the oxygen mask should be placed on yourself first. That is what will give you the opportunity to help others. In the social service field, we have the habit of attempting to put the mask on others first. The result? The entire system around us falls apart and we are left grasping for the pieces.
Let us make it our duty to ourselves and our clients to place the so called "oxygen mask" on ourselves first so that we can do what we came into this profession to do,.... help others.
