| intervention. Crisis work often places the helper in the position of being the object of displaced anger and rage. Understand that these strong feelings are not directed personally but are vented because you are an available target. Associated with displaced anger is the experience of rejection and lack of gratitude. Nothing is more painful than rejection of and lack of appreciation for one's sincere attempt to help another. Very often the victim will walk away without a word of appreciation, not even a thank-you. Unfortunately, these are some of the risks of crisis work about which nothing can be done. | |
| Reach out to department resources. Every organization has resources that may be utilized in times of need. Seek professional help when you need it. Crisis is, psychologically speaking, a high-risk profession, with crisis interveners generally among the last to seek help. Members of highly stressed professions should have periodic stress-level checkups to take stock of their lives and forestall potential problems. | |
| Learn a drug-free method of relaxation. The importance of regular relaxation breaks cannot be overemphasized. Whether you use meditation, progressive relaxation, self-hypnosis, yoga, biofeedback, or some other technique, a relaxation break can give your mind a rest. It revitalizes coping abilities, promotes a more balanced outlook, and can give you increased energy for dealing with whatever difficulties you face. |
Awareness of job stress that is inherent in crisis work or people work serves as a reducer in several ways. By becoming aware of the nature of psychological job stressors, crisis interveners can be alerted to the potential dangers facing them. In addition, they can become cognizant of the fact that stress is in part a function of the environment and not totally within and unique to themselves. Understanding and reducing stress by eliminating some of the stressors, increasing the stress intervener's ability to cope, or providing solutions for the stressed intervener are a few suggestions.
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Questia, a part of Gale, Cengage Learning. www.questia.com
Publication information:
Book title: Taking Charge:Crisis Intervention in Criminal Justice.
Contributors: Anne T. Romano - Author.
Publisher: Greenwood Press.
Place of publication: Westport, CT.
Publication year: 1990.
Page number: 167.
This material is protected by copyright and, with the exception of fair use, may not be further copied, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means.
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