Welcome!

Welcome to The Self-Care Corner: a helper's haven - A safe place for those who dedicate their lives to helping others.

Hey there, my Child Welfare Tribe!

Every day, you pour your time, energy, and heart into the families and children you serve. Your work is essential, but it is also emotionally demanding. Secondary trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout are real risks in this field, and taking care of yourself is just as important as the work you do for others.

This blog is dedicated to you—offering monthly reminders, resources, and strategies to help you maintain your well-being. Because when you are supported, you can better support others.

Self-Care Tip of the Month: The Power of Small Moments

Self-care doesn’t have to be a grand event. It can be as simple as:

• Taking five deep breaths before your next meeting.

• Stepping outside for a moment of fresh air between home visits.

• Setting a small boundary (e.g., no work emails after a certain hour).

What small act of care can you commit to this month?

Recognizing the Signs of Burnout

You may be experiencing burnout if you notice:

• Feeling emotionally drained or detached from your work.

• Increased irritability or frustration.

• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.

• Physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue.

If any of these resonate with you, take a step back and check in with yourself. Support is available.

Resource Spotlight: Local & Virtual Support

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Washoe County offers free counseling services for employees.

• The Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project – www.compassionfatigue.org

• Nevada Peer Support Network – A resource for professionals needing emotional support.

Recommended Resource: Book, Podcast, or Article

• Book: Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky – A must-read for social workers, offering practical strategies for self-care while working in trauma-exposed environments.

• Podcast: "Social Work Talks" (NASW Podcast) – Covers burnout, secondary trauma, and self-care strategies for social workers. Listen here: www.socialworkers.org/podcast

• Article: "Micro-Acts of Self-Care That Take Little Time And Deliver Big Impact" Micro-Acts Of Self-Care That Take Little Time And Deliver Big Impact

Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Stay tuned for next month’s post.

Thank you for all that you do.

- The Self-Care Corner