Topic Tuesday // Staying safe while supporting others // April 18, 7pm AEST

[CheerBear]

That's the same kind of feeling I had with burnout too @Mazarita.

I'm thinking that the difference between compassion fatigue and burnout seems kind of like the difference between tiredness and exhaustion maybe.

[Former-Member]

I think I'm so confused over it all. I know something had happened to me over the last few months which could be burn out but I'm not sure. Does it matter and do you need to know. It seems so much of my muddle. 

[Phoenix_Rising]

@Spookytookims, yes you are correct. People dived into my muddle without knowing what they were diving into. Unfortunately that also includes the "professionals" (thinking of therapist take-seven who dumped me the day after getting me scheduled, telling victims services she was traumatized from working with me). I guess you could say I've spent the past twenty years educating people on the importance of self-care when trying to support someone with a big muddle. I wish @NikNik could have just explained it to them instead.

[Nevyn134]

@NikNik How can we take time away from the person in question, to take care of ourselves, when the person is capable of spiralling into near suicidal depression if left alone for an hour and a half, and the hospital won't take them in for more then a day at a time because they "seem ok"?

[NikNik]

@Former-Member - it could very well be burn out. I think it's helpful to know, even just for the acknowledgement and break you should give yourself
'yep I'm not travelling well - but boy, who can blame me! It's been coming in all directions!'
Just that type of acknowledgement for me, I find helpful.

[CheerBear]

@Former-Member - I don't think it neccessarily matters what it's called or known as by others, as much as it matters what you're experiencing and how you're experiencing it. That's my take on it anyway

[Former-Member]

A self care activity for me is one that makes me feel better about me

[Former-Member]

Thanks @NikNik 💜🤗

[Spookytookims]

@NikNikbut the problem is.. with real life carers, they can't just walk away.

[NikNik]

@Nevyn134

A lot of carers are in your situation, so I recommend jumping over to the carers forum after tonight, but I would say that you can't be solely responsible for this person.

A practical suggestion I have is to call your state based Mental Health Carers organisation and find out what is in your area. Some organisations offer respite and can provide services for the person you care for so you can get some respite.
I think other carers will have a lot of suggestions too, so I would strongly suggest jumping over to the carers forum and putting this exact question to the community.
Great question.