CARING FOR CARE GIVERS

At times, systems and individuals can be overwhelmed. When this occurs, be as kind to yourself as you would be to someone else. Tend to your own needs, whether they are physical, emotional or spiritual. Take the time you need and return refreshed. Being chronically overwhelmed can lead to “burn-out” and increases the risk of physical and mental ill health and use of destructive coping mechanisms such as drugs and alcohol.

Some factors will be beyond your control, such as a shortage of supplies, whether from a lack of resources, theft or corruption. The balance between advocating for improvement and driving yourself crazy with an unfixable problem can be difficult. Trying too hard to fix a problem can lead to frustration and eventually to cynicism; too little effort will ensure that things will never change. Be realistic about what you can accomplish as an individual and as part of an organization. You did not create the situation, but you can speak the truth about it and work for improvement.

Working in leadership and management roles means you will be dealing with your colleagues and co-workers and be faced with many of their problems. You will have to deal with absenteeism, poor job performance and the results of illness and disease. These are problems that you did not create and may not be able to fix. Be clear about your expectations and put systems for reporting, evaluation and remedy in place. This will help to make expectations clear and avoid the problem of dealing with things on a person by person basis.

Do not tie your sense of self worth or job performance to the resolution of systemic or long-standing problems. Set reasonable goals in areas that are within your control.