How to Deal With Stress as a Social Worker

Social workers are trained to help other people deal with stress. Part of their job is to help others sort through their feelings and find solutions to their problems. As such, social workers often hide or push down their own stress levels. If you're a social worker looking for a little mental relief, try the following suggestions.

Instructions

• 1

  "Heal thyself" is a doctrine medical doctors practice and one that social workers would do well to follow. Use the tools that you teach to your clients to deal with your own stress.

• 2

  Remain honest about the stress you may be encountering. Denial is what gets many social workers in trouble. Too many end their careers in burn-out or physical illness; they often think they should be able to handle the stress just because they possess the knowledge about how to treat it.

• 3

  Take time off and vacations. There will always be another case or another troubled person for you to help. You must take time away from the job in order to be of any use to others and to take care of yourself.

• 4

  Interact with healthy adults who are either social workers themselves or others in highly stressful careers. Being able to share your feelings and frustrations with others who understand can be a great relief. Find colleagues or friends who'll share themselves with you and remain non-judgmental.

• 5

  Manage your work efficiently, even if you're overloaded with cases. Stay organized and focus on one thing at a time. Large caseloads can be overwhelming and are often the norm in the field of social work. Do the best you can and tell your boss if you have more than you can handle.