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4.6 What can the helpers do themselves ?
Fortunately , what works for survivors can also work for helpers . If symptoms of secondary traumatisation or compassion fatigue occur , the tools that help survivors can often assist helpers . Helpers should try to recognise their own reactions and understand what has caused them . If helpers are haunted by stories they have heard , or feelings of fear and insecurity , they can use grounding exercises to remind themselves that they are safe . Helpers need to discover their strengths and sources of resilience . What helps you to put your work-related thoughts aside ? What helps you to rest your body and mind ? What activities inspire you and put you in a good mood ? In addition , it is important take care of yourself : to eat well , sleep sufficiently , see friends and family , exercise , etc .
Tips for handling warning signs :
• Acknowledge that you are not reacting in normal and predictable ways .
• Consciously try to relax .
• Talk to someone you feel comfortable with .
• Express your feelings in other ways than talking : draw , paint , play music , pray .
• Listen to people you love and think about what they tell you .
• Take care of yourself .
• Exercise , do yoga , meditate .
• Go for walks , preferably in nature .
• Do grounding exercises .
• Review the BASIC-Ph coping skills in Part 3 .
REFLECTION QUESTION
Questions to reflect on
• How do you know that your work is affecting you in a negative way ?
• What good things have you done to restore or maintain your mental health ?
ROLE OF THE HELPER