Anyone here work in the Social Services Field?

each_day_stronger
each_day_stronger Posts: 191 Member
in Introduce Yourself
Hey folks,

I'm a social worker in brooklyn. I'm curious to see if there are any others here in the "helping professions." So often we are caring for others that it can be easy to lose track of ourselves! I know for me the stress of my new job has really taken a toll on my physical and emotional well-being, which is why I'm here.

Would love a few more like-minded friends!

Replies

  • Cathalain
    Cathalain Posts: 424 Member
    Hey folks,

    I'm a social worker in brooklyn. I'm curious to see if there are any others here in the "helping professions." So often we are caring for others that it can be easy to lose track of ourselves!

    I don't know if I qualify, but I work in employment that is part law enforcement, part social work, all stress. (I work in a Federal probation/parole office with mentally ill people on supervision.)

    I know all too well what you mean about not taking care of one's self - it's one of the main reasons why I am the way I am now. I gave so much of myself to others that I totally forgot about ME. I'm working on that now.

    Welcome. :flowerforyou:
  • The_Raspberry
    The_Raspberry Posts: 84 Member
    Social worker from Sweden here! :)

    I know exactly what you mean, putting all your efforts into your clients and forgetting about yourself is a very easy thing to do. I'm sure you do great work! Just remember that if you don't feel well it will make it that much harder to help others, so try and put yoursef first. At least outside of office hours! I am working very hard on doing this, it's hard, but in the end it's the only way to keep doing what we do! And I bet you're doing a great job!
  • each_day_stronger
    each_day_stronger Posts: 191 Member
    @ Cathalain it totally counts! I've worked in the court system before, and it is rough out there! The program I'm at now was designed as an alternative to incarceration for youth and it's definitely the kind of program that requires that workers take care of themselves!

    @ The_Raspberry, awesome to meet a social worker from Sweden! I hear it's really an awesome place with lots of programs and services for people in need :) New York isn't terrible, but we have a lot more we can do. I definitely feel you though, it's totally necessary to take care of oneself, I suppose I'm looking to see how others do it. I feel like I'm on the right track but could use any support I can get :)
  • whisperer02
    whisperer02 Posts: 52
    Well, I am a manager with the department of corrections in pennsylvania. Heaven knows working with this population is tiring and i am drained at the end of the day.
  • palmerdanielle
    palmerdanielle Posts: 341 Member
    Going to school for social work, I've got a college diploma in social service work but am now in university for social work (different levels in Canada). Planning to get my bachelors and masters most likely.
  • blunderball
    blunderball Posts: 21 Member
    I work as the director of senior services for a large municipality. There are days when it's all I can do to drag my butt home. Working out really does help to keep me grounded.
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    My part time job is in direct services to at risk populations, yes.
  • RaspberryKeytoneBoondoggle
    RaspberryKeytoneBoondoggle Posts: 1,349 Member
    Yes, I have been there. I have learned that I must make extra effort to care for myself so that I can give more to others. This issue is why many social workers burn out and leave the profession.
  • frecklesandfries
    frecklesandfries Posts: 32 Member
    Oh yes, currently working on my Master's in Social Work!

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