D. Caring for Yourself and Your Colleagues You or your family may be directly affected by the crisis situation. Even if you are not directly involved, you may be affected by what you see or hear while helping. As a helper, it is important to pay extra attention to your own wellbeing. Take care of yourself, so you can best take care of others! Getting Ready to Help Consider how you can best get ready to be a helper in crisis settings. Whenever possible: • Learn about crisis situations, roles, and responsibilities of different kinds of helpers. • Consider your own health and personal or family issues that may cause severe stress as you take on a helping role for others. • Make an honest decision about whether you are ready to help in this particular crisis situation and at this particular time. Managing Stress: Healthy Work and Life Habits A main source of stress for helpers is day-to-day job stress, particularly during a crisis. Long working hours, overwhelming responsibilities, lack of a clear job description, poor communication or management, and working in areas that are not secure are examples of job-related stress that can affect helpers. Training Module on the Right to Mental Health for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) If appropriate, explain to the person that you are leaving. If someone else will be helping them from that point on, try and introduce them to that person. If you have linked the person with other services, let them know what to expect and be sure they have the details to follow up after you leave. No matter what your experience has been with the person, you can say goodbye in a positive way by wishing them well. As a helper, you may feel responsible for people’s safety and care. You may witness or even directly experience terrible things such as destruction, injury, death, or violence. You may also hear stories of other people’s pain and suffering. All of these experiences can affect you and your fellow helpers. Consider how you can best manage your own stress, support, and be supported by your fellow helpers. The following suggestions may be helpful in managing your stress. • Think about what has helped you cope in the past and what you can do to stay strong. • Try to take time to eat and rest even for short periods. • Try to keep reasonable working hours so you do not become too exhausted. For example, consider dividing the workload among helpers, working in shifts during the acute phase of the crisis, and taking regular rest periods. 18