I fortunately work for an organization that takes mental health and wellbeing very seriously - this is key to success in this field because if you don't have support, it's easier to drown in your own madness. I've been at my organization for 16 years and I've watched way too many good-hearted people be forced out of this field because they didn't really have the tools to handle all of the emotional stress we're put through daily and too many of those people held it all in until it was too late.
I often share these tidbits with my co-workers:
-Don't leave it at home. If you're feeling stress in your home life (that often stems from work like), bring it here (to work). I know that sounds silly but don't feel like you can't be human at work. No one should feel alone, especially when stressed.
-But also, leave work at the work exit. When I drive out of the parking lot, I literally visualize leaving the day behind me. Whatever I left will be there tomorrow, but when I leave this place, everything stays.
-Maintain your boundaries. When I'm off the clock, I'm off the clock.
-Make sure you're maintaining hobbies that DON'T include animal welfare.
-Use your PTO. Take mental health days and don't feel guilty about it.
-Reach out to a trusted peer. No one knows this work better than we do and we should always be able to lean on one another.
-Lastly, Jessica Dolce's work has been very helpful for me, especially her newsletter:
https://www.jessicadolce.com/------------------------------
Ami Manivong
Feline Population Coordinator
Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region
Colorado Springs, CO
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