Module 6 – Helping the Helpers

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Warning Signs of Burnout

Wounded ideals Cynicism Feeling unappreciated or betrayed by

organization Loss of enthusiasm Grandiose beliefs about own importance

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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

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Warning Signs of Burnout (cont.)

Symptoms of illness or disease Sleep difficulties Inefficiency Excessive use of alcohol, tobacco or

drugs

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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

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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

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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

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Self-Help Techniques (cont.)

Do not self-medicate Go easy on yourself Avoid inflated or perfectionistic

expectations Seek professional advice if reactions

continue

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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

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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