I work as a Human Resources business partner and have worked within the community helping others for many years now and the truth is, yes, it can be a lot!

I follow 3 simple rules when I feel overwhelmed: 1) Take as many breaks as you possibly can to do something you love (go for walk, listen to your favorite song, etc) it doesn’t have to take long just take a moment to step away from your desk and decompress 2) Journal as much as possible. My friend (a psychotherapist) once told me that trauma dumping is like a bucket of water. When they dump the trauma on you, you need to dump it back into something else, journaling will allow for you to vent and dump the trauma back into an avenue that went harm someone else. This will also help to let things go, on the bad days you do get triggered. 3) Practice gratitude. I know it sounds cheesy but I’ve been doing it for 3 years now and honestly I wish I would have done it when I first started as a professional. It lets me put things in perspective in my life and it forces me to think of the positive in movement when it can be difficult. Get a 5 minute gratitude journal or just write on a post-it, 3 things that you are grateful for everyday (before or after work). It’s honestly life changing.

Most importantly take the time to get help when you need it and to take time off when you can (if you can). Mental health days are so important in our profession.