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This work can affect you and that is ok! 

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Doing this work you will hear difficult stories and hold information that most people outside of this field never hear. You will navigate systems that do not always align with your values.

 

That has an impact.

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Self-care is more than a day at the spa or generic wellness advice. It is about the actions you take to maintain your emotional, psychological, and physical well-being.  

Self-Care in
Community Forensic Social Work

Naming the Emotional Impact of the Work

Vicarious Trauma

It is the emotional and psychological impact from repeated exposure to others trauma. 

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You may notice changes in how you see the world. Perhaps you feel more on edge, more suspicious, or more aware of danger than you used to be. You might carry graphic details of cases with you long after the workday ends.

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Little Ways to Address Self-Care

Boundaries 

Boundaries are more than just saying no. They are the limits you set for yourself around your time, energy, flexibility, and what you are willing to work with or within.

 

In this field it is easy to overextend yourself, especially when clients are in crisis. Boundaries can look like:

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  • Limiting availability, you do not need to be available 24/7 to be a good social worker

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  • Referring out when needed

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  • Protecting your personal time

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  • Protecting your space outside of work

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  • Taking your lunch break

Health

This work involves high stress, crisis situations, long hours, and the constant caring for other individuals. Aside from the emotional impact your body also goes through this work too.

 

Self-care encompasses your physical well-being just like it addresses your emotional well-being.

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What you can do: 

  • Be consisten with sleep 

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  • Eat your lunch... Seriously 

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  • Stay hydrated 

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  • Move your body when possible 

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Burnout is not solely attributed to emotional exhaustion but also to not properly taking care of your basic needs.

Routines 

Creating routines may not seem like much but they promote stability. These consistent habits can help reduce stress, improve focus, and create that separation between work and home life.

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  • Work into your schedule time in between clients to decompress 

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  • Create and end-of-shift ritual to ground yourself and separate work from your home life 

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  • Schedule movement breaks if necessary 

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  • On the flip side if you are always moving schedule a break to sit and take a moment to reset 

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