Greek philosopher and physician Hippocrates of Kos is considered the father of modern medicine. An influential physician and scholar, Hippocrates was adamant about effective healthcare practices. During his career, Hippocrates implemented an essential policy for future physicians to follow. To establish consent to heal, doctors should ask patients if they are willing to give up the things that cause them to be sick (Hippocrates & Asulanus, 1526). Hippocrates believed physicians needed protection and were just as liable for their treatments as their clients. Moreover, he understood that no care was better than subpar.

Ethical Consequences of Care

The same can be true for social workers, who, like physicians, have the power to inflict further hardships on their clients. Often, human services personnel are the first line of defense for individuals and families in crisis. However, quality human services are only possible with proven employee support systems. Most importantly, social workers are ethically and professionally bound to disclose anything that impairs their ability to do their jobs (Bloomquist et al., 2016). Per the terms of their employment, social workers must assume a higher level of self-care responsibility. A client's survival often hinges on the professional's personal maintenance routine.

The Novice Professional

Few professionals enter the social work profession concerned about exhaustion or fatigue. Nor do they perceive empathy, a critical element of employment, as their greatest danger. The novice social worker is severely disadvantaged due to their practitioner innocence quotient (PIQ). PIQ is healing professionals' naive belief of immunity to burnout and fatigue (Skovholt & Trotter-Mathison, 2016). Self-care dismantles this superhero perspective by raising awareness about the need to be proactive against secondary traumatization. Personal care interventions that address one's body, mind, and soul are beneficial before and during employment. Lewis and King (2019) agreed that incorporating mandatory self-care pedagogies into social work students' curriculums enhances their resilience and puts them at an advantage before joining the workforce. Also, self-care acts as a buffer against burnout and secondary trauma.

Opponents of Self-Care

Critics may argue that self-care is selfish, overrated, and does minimal to reduce work-related illnesses. This statement is false and based solely on opinion. Research shows stress adversely impacts brain structures and functions (Burke-Harris, 2018). Similarly, positive self-talk, a wellness strategy, induces pleasure and stimulates the brain to release endorphins. As a result, the person feels relaxed, which activates the learning brain and makes resilience possible. Self-care and resiliency act in the same manner as stress and behavior. So important is self-care; it is prominently featured in the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) as an educational policy and standard (Lewis & King, 2019). Personal upkeep is not self-serving. Instead, it serves the betterment of professionals, clients, and the delivery of services. Without self-care, there can be no human services.

Words of Wisdom

Social workers must consistently practice self-care to maintain longevity and health in the human services sector. The rigors of the job and clients' overwhelming grief can sometimes be too much. With specific populations, social workers face an even greater risk of burnout. Skovholt and Trotter-Mathison (2016) encouraged healing professionals to balance their personal and professional lives to sustain their resilience. A shared journey between a client and a professional can mirror one another. Good or bad, the responsibility lies solely with the professional. Although every human services worker is different, none should be afraid to learn from their client. Vicarious resilience refers to professionals' positive growth from observing their clients triumph over adversity (Hernandez et al., 2007). Individualized maintenance plans are often underrated. Yet if used repeatedly, they lead to a greater understanding of self.

Skovholt and Trotter-Mathison (2016) wrote that novice healing professionals should do the following:

• Nurture the self to identify one's needs and limitations. The practice prevents professionals from remaining in jobs that do not cater to their demands.
• Actively pursue strong peer relationships to decrease feelings of isolation and discouragement
• Invest in activities that reinvigorate the soul. For example, a walk with nature to take it all in clears the mind and fosters gratitude.
• Commit to continuous learning of advanced materials to reinvent oneself
• Create health-promoting work environments to meet specific space needs, aesthetics, and personal comfort. A family portrait or a soothing color of blue can offer a mental getaway from work.

Work problems are not always the most significant issues; instead, what sometimes accounts for difficulties are professionals grieving the loss of what they thought their ideal jobs should be. Make wise decisions about self-care plans and careers, not just because they are fashionable, but because they speak to your soul. Finally, choose activities that can become a lifestyle rather than a fad. I wish you excellent mental health. XOXO.

References

Bloomquist, K. R., Wood, L., Friedmeyer-Trainor, K., & Kim, H.-W. (2016). Self-care and professional quality of life: Predictive factors among MSW practitioners. Advances in Social Work, 16(2), 292–311. https://doi.org/10.18060/18760

Burke-Harris, N. (2018). The deepest well: Healing the long-term effects of childhood adversity. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Hernandez, P., Gangsei, D., & Engstrom, D. (2007). Vicarious resilience: A new concept in work with those who survive trauma. Family Process, 46(2), 229–241. https://doi10.1111/j.1545-5300.2007.00206.x

Hippocrates, & Asulanus, F. (1526). Hapanta ta tou hippokratous: Omnia opera hippocratis (Ser. Early European books). In aedibus Aldi, & Andreae Asulani soceri. http://gateway.proquest.com/op...bnc-ald-00000990-001.

Lewis, M. L., & King, D. M. (2019). Teaching self-care: The utilization of self-care in social work practicum to prevent compassion fatigue, burnout, and vicarious trauma. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 29(1), 96–106. https://doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2018.1482482

Skovholt, T. M., & Trotter-Mathison, M. (2016). The resilient practitioner: Burnout and compassion fatigue prevention and self-care strategies for helping professions (3^rd ed.). Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.