Module 6 – Helping the Helpers

Module 6 Helping the Helpers 2 Helpers Responders may experience crisis because of the work they do Often have a feeling of not having done enough Are sometimes overwhelmed by the needs of the community Need to cope with their own fears

Module 6 Helping the Helpers 3 Learning Objectives Describe how reactions to stress may affect helpers Give details of warning signs of stress or burnout among helpers Describe how to provide psychological support to helpers Give details of self-care methods for helpers

Module 6 Helping the Helpers 4 Challenge to Helpers Being part of the collective crisis Repeated exposure to grim experiences Carrying out physically difficult, exhausting or dangerous tasks Lacking sleep and feeling fatigued Facing the perceived inability to ever do enough

Module 6 Helping the Helpers 5 Challenge to Helpers (cont.) Feeling guilt over access to food, shelter, etc Facing moral and ethical dilemmas Being exposed to anger and lack of gratitude Being detached from personal support systems Feeling frustrated by policies and decisions by supervisors

Module 6 Helping the Helpers 6 Warning Signs of Burnout Wounded ideals Cynicism Feeling unappreciated or betrayed by organization Loss of enthusiasm Grandiose beliefs about own importance

Module 6 Helping the Helpers 7 Warning Signs of Burnout (cont.) Heroic but reckless behavior Neglecting personal safety and physical needs Mistrusting colleagues and supervisor Antisocial behavior Excessive tiredness Inability to concentrate

Module 6 Helping the Helpers 8 Warning Signs of Burnout (cont.) Symptoms of illness or disease Sleep difficulties Inefficiency Excessive use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs

Module 6 Helping the Helpers 9 Create a Supportive Environment Guidance and support from managers and peers Open and sharing organizational culture Regular and frequent staff meetings Respect for confidentiality Creation of peer support system Have fun together

Module 6 Helping the Helpers 10 Self-Help Techniques Know the normal reactions to stressful events Be aware of your tension and consciously try to relax Use the buddy system Talk to someone you trust and with whom feel at ease Listen to what people close to you say and think about the event

Module 6 Helping the Helpers 11 Self-Help Techniques (cont.) Work on routine tasks if it is too difficult to concentrate on demanding duties If you cannot sleep or feel too anxious, discuss this with someone you can trust Express your feelings in ways other than talking: Draw Paint Play music Journal

Module 6 Helping the Helpers 12 Self-Help Techniques (cont.) Do not self-medicate Go easy on yourself Avoid inflated or perfectionistic expectations Seek professional advice if reactions continue

Module 6 Helping the Helpers 13 Activity # 17 – Decompression Take a few moments to write down five things that help you relieve stress and feel calmer Share these methods with the rest of the group

Module 6 Helping the Helpers 14 Role of Supervisors Support emotional and developmental needs of helpers Identify limitations on how far helpers should be pushed or stretched Act as source of advice and help with problems