Defintions
The practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.
Self Care
It can help manage stress, lower risk of illness, and increase energy
Trivializing a current experience by comparing it with another situation that we regard as more severe
Minimizing
This can cause people to feel emotionally invalidated, develop feelings of insecurity, unwantedness, and distrust in future relationships
Social workers, investigators, judges, prosecutors are a small list of professionals affected by vicarious trauma
Fact
Self-care reduces stress
True
Physical state of deep relaxation in which your body releases chemicals that slow down your breathing and heart rate through the parasympathetic nervous system
855-QUIT-VET or 855-784-8838
Tobacco Quitlines
Connects you with a tobacco cessation counselor
Form of exhaustion caused by constantly feeling swamped. Can develop as a result of general occupational stress.
Burnout
Signs of burnout include: insomnia, apathy, exhaustion, regular sickness, irritability, poor performance, and isolation.
This type of signs include: depression, negative self-image, guilt, helplessness
Emotional
Self-care is not necessary for everyone who works in the mental health, criminal justice, healthcare fields
Myth
Self care can improve physical health, reduce stress and anxiety, boost self esteem, protect mental health, and better relationships
Self-care is NOT one clear, defined thing
True
Self-care is what works for it! its individual based
800-662-4357 or 800-662-HELP
SAMHSA national helpline
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admin
Helps to find substance use treatment and information
Coping with stress by shutting down and disconnecting.
This doesn't address the issue and leads to and increase stress and anxiety
This type of sign includes anger and irritability, feeling helpless, problems in personal relationships
Practicing self-care means choosing yourself over others
Myth
Self-care means being mindful of your own needs, so you are better able to support the people you care about
Self-care is feminine
988
Suicide and crisis lifeline
Available 24 hours
Excessive alertness for potential threats or dangers at and outside of work. Always being "on" and "on the lookout"
Hypervigilance
Being in constant fight or flight mode can lead to exhaustion and fatigue
This type of sign includes exhaustion, head aches, grinding your teeth, sore back and neck
physical
Self-care is all or nothing
MYTH
Self-care could be as little as a few minutes of taking deep breaths or as big a spa day. Find things that work best for you!
Self-care is anything that soothes you
False
There are unhealthy ways of self-care which may seem soothing
877-424-3838
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Resources for veterans who are homeless or at risk for being homeless
Internal changes in staff who engage empathetically with someone affected by trauma. Focuses on effects of exposure to details about another person's trauma.
Vicarious trauma
Following the ABCs: awareness of the impact, achieving and maintaining balance and connection in our lives can be helpful
These signs are early signs of what?
diminished contact with a sponsor, neglecting recovery practices, anxiety, depression, neglecting appearance, isolation
Relapse
Self-care does not have to cost money
Fact
Like reading a book, taking a bath, listening to podcasts/music, writing in a journal, deep breathing, meditation
You need self-care because something is wrong with you
False
Stress is a normal part of life and you need self-care to prevent stress from affecting emotional physical and mental wellbeing
855-260-3274
Caregiver Support
Resources for family members or friends of veterans for training, education, and tools to help care for a veteran