·
Limit your time
working alone by trying to work in teams.
·
Understand and identify burnout and secondary
traumatic stress
·
Practice coping techniques like taking breaks,
eating healthy foods, exercising, and using the
buddy system. This all can help prevent and
reduce burnout and secondary traumatic stress.
Recognize the signs of both of these conditions
in yourself and other responders to be sure
those who need a break or need help can address
these needs.
·
Write
in a journal.
·
Talk to
family, friends, supervisors, and teammates
about your feelings and experiences.
·
Practice breathing and relaxation techniques.
·
Get
adequate sleep and exercise
· Know that it is
okay to draw boundaries and say "no."
· Remind
yourself that:
· It is not
selfish to take breaks.
· The needs of survivors are not more important than your own needs and well-being
· The needs of
survivors are not more important than your own needs and
well-being.
· Working all
the time does not mean you will make your best
contribution.
· There are
other people who can help in the response.