The empathy factor

[J a c k]

[brewer]

[J a c k]

[brewer]

[Whateverist]

Sometimes I can be highly emotional and empathetic, and then one minute later I will be a total misanthrope.

Try letting the highly emotional and empathetic you get more air time here while the misanthrope part shuts to hell up.  Just a suggestion.  

*ducks a well aimed shoe*

[Mr.Obvious]

---

Jack, as one social worker to another; you need to guard yourself.
To an extent, I know your strife. I too find it hard to shut off the balance between clients/work and your own life. It's why we are drawn to this kind of work as well as why it's difficult for us. It's not a surprise why, (at least in Belgian statistics,) so many social workers have burn-outs. It's an emotionally exhausting profession. You get critique from the higher ups, your colleagues, strangers and even your clients. You are always the middle-woman. You don't see the good case alll the way 'till the end to get that sense of accomplishment, only just far enough untill they don't need you. You however do see those stuck that you have to give it your all to just stop them from 'drowning'.

Can I ask you, how long have you been a social worker? I've been one for three years. It's only been a year since I've been able to seperate my own life from my work. The first two years were extremely draining. The third one is still, so far, but to a lesser extent.

Hello, one of my two fave newbies  
I've worked in the field for about a decade, but in this specific job a little more than 3 years. I can't imagine doing anything else, because I'm good at this. I love helping people even though it's painful sometimes. I did have to leave my last job. It was too much for me. The cases I had were too raw and my little one needed me more than ever at the time. This job is more balanced, but I still get cases that feel like needles to the heart. Anywho... high five, fellow social worker.

[paulpablo]

When I was very young I exhibited traits of empathy more than the standard young person. I'd worry about the pain of ANY living thing, from tiny insects to chickens.

 But I found that beyond the teenage years that will get hugely taken advantage of, especially when you're forced to mix with a fair few people who have psychotic tendencies of bullying, stealing, animal cruelty and so on.

I have no advice to give because I have 0 levels of practice or experience in being around people who are vulnerable like that, or having to care for them.

If the goal is to take your mind off things and to help you sleep better then I personally just put some comedy on youtube while I go to sleep or just before.  That kind of advice probably isn't going to change your life but it's what I do.

[ignoramus]

Literally millions of dollars have been given away to "penpals" by scrupulous individuals with a hard luck story.
They take advantage of peoples empathy.

If only this world was as caring, genuine and unselfish as you.
Sadly, it's not.

(If only I had 1,000 dollars for that urgently needed hip operation) Did I mention that I'm in severe pain! SEVERE I TELL YOU!