One of the aspects of social work that NASW President Yvonne Chase is passionate about is self-care.
“As we know, a lot has changed in the political landscape since the election,” said Chase, PhD, MSW, LCSW, ACSW. “NASW is extremely concerned about the executive orders that the Trump administration has been issuing.”
“Our political landscape has only changed for the worse it seems,” she said. “We’re responding to those executive orders and rallying social workers to respond as well.”,/p>
The current time is stressful for social workers, while at the same time society appears radically divided. To address this, Chase hosted a Facebook Live panel discussion called “Chase Chats: Radical Self-Care for Social Workers in Trying Times.”
Her guests were Nicole Steward, MSW, PPSC, a social worker for two decades and a strong advocate for youth experiencing homelessness and those in the child welfare, juvenile justice system; and Kristen Lee, EdD, LICSW, a renowned behavioral science educator, best-selling author, and clinical social worker.
“I am happy to have this conversation—for social workers to engage with others in positive thinking,” Chase said. “What do we do for self-care?”
Lee agreed that these are harrowing times for social workers.
“When we hear self-care, I worry it is considered trite or simplified,” she said.
But for those social workers on the front lines, we know (self-care) must be deeper and strategic. It also does not have to be complicated or unobtainable, she added. “The times are intense in which we are trying to make sense of things.”
Stress, breaking news and the fear of what’s going to happen next can haunt us, Lee said. Focusing attention on what we can do to prevent burnout and serve with verve is vital.
Steward said regardless of what is happening outside, social work can be challenging because it is human- and trauma-facing. “We’re digesting a lot of content that is traumatic.”
“One of the mantras I have used as part of my radical self-care is that I can care without carrying,” Steward said. “We as individuals are responsible for our own care, whether it’s with work or life.”
Limited Control
Lee said it can be harrowing to consider the aspects of what we don’t control.
“We are not the first group in the annals of human history to suffer dramatically, and to face injustice and egregious behavior,” she said. “... We have to focus on what we can take action on.”
“There’s a lot we need to tune out and there’s a lot we need to pay attention to,” she said.
Steward said a technique she uses to calm herself is focusing on her breathing.
“Some of it is mindfulness, aware of how we are feeling in the moment and giving ourselves permission to take a break, take a breath, take a moment to think how we want to respond, which is mindfulness,” she said. “Stress is going to come. That is the nature of our jobs.”
“We are in a profession that I think is so phenomenal,” Steward said. “I know this sounds trite, but I think social work will save the world. It’s not because we’re amazing or know better than anyone else, it’s because our job is to get at the root (of the problem). Our job is to encourage the communities we serve.”
Find ways to stay supported and resourced in this work, she suggested. “I encourage you all to be brave, courageous. Stay regulated and stay connected.”
Make sure you chip away at your stressors, Lee suggested. “There are so many things that we can do that won’t cost us extra time and money but are essential to keep us compassionate and action-oriented at the same time.”
Chase noted it is paramount that social workers practice self-care. “We are the voice that has to be there for the global community to listen.”
Watch the recording of the Facebook Live event.