When we think of the American workforce, we think of businessmen or businesswomen, teachers, secretaries, bankers, nurses, and fast food employees. As we drive through town, delivery trucks, 18-wheelers, and construction crews are visible and going about their daily duties. Less noticeable are the social workers that are tucked away in public schools, the department of children services, homeless shelters, nursing homes, hospice services, hospitals, and mental health agencies. They attempt to help others deal with their problems and pain. Social workers see the bruises and scars of abused children, the track marks from a heroin needle, and the bandages of a burn victim. They listen to the schizophrenic homeless man or the returning veteran who can’t cope with post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, social workers are notoriously underpaid and overworked. How do social workers cope with this combination of stressors? How do they prevent burnout in order to continue helping their clients?
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