Easy answers are self-care, work-life balance, and boundaries, but its deeper. We all care for our cases, it’s hard to leave work at the door. For me, it’s more compassion fatigue than burnout. Working with juveniles, I remind myself I’m planting seeds I may never see grow. The key to carrying this weight is a strong team. Through TBRI, connection is the foundation for trust, felt safety, and healthy relationships. I used to think I had to do everything alone, but having a team that fosters connection has helped me learn how to lean on one another. A connected team helps you feel valued and that you’re good enough. Invest in your team, care for them, and work together. Plant those seeds and believe one day, those seeds will grow.

What I have found useful in keeping a positive outlook while handling difficult and intricate cases every day is to focus on self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I make sure to take regular breaks, engage in activities I enjoy, and practice mindfulness to manage stress. I also seek support from colleagues, mentors, and friends, and celebrate small victories to stay motivated. By adopting a growth mindset and focusing on solutions rather than problems, I can maintain a positive outlook and effectively navigate challenging situations.

One thing I found helpful was having representation or someone that look like you in the workplace that can relate. This allow for healthy venting, comfortability, and non judgment. Hopefully, they are professional and provide healthy advice

One thing I have found helpful is to have healthy outlets outside of work. Whether it be my family members or a friend, healthy releases are what make me feel validated and heard. I also do a ton of self care after hard days.

Maintaining a positive outlook in healthcare and rehabilitation services is not always easy, but it's crucial for both personal well-being and professional effectiveness. By embracing self-care, fostering a supportive work environment, focusing on positive outcomes, engaging in continuous learning, seeking professional help, developing resilience, enjoying hobbies, practicing mindfulness, staying connected with loved ones, and setting realistic goals, healthcare professionals can navigate the challenges of their field with positivity and purpose.