Peer

How to Take Care of Yourself

Monitor your own reactions and feelings. It can be stressful to interact with someone in distress. In addition to feeling that you want to help, you may find yourself feeling helplessness, fear, frustration or anger, empathy (feeling the other person's sadness, anger, hopelessness, etc.), impatience or "compassion fatigue." Helpers need support, too. Call the Counseling Center, x3500, to arrange for a confidential consultation with a clinician.