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Self-Care for Social Workers

smiling woman in a sunny forest clearing

As social workers, we understand the ongoing need to take care of ourselves and each other as we meet the many challenges of our work. This may include:

Making time for self-reflection, rest and relaxation, which are essential for mental and physical health.
Staying connected with our friends, family, colleagues and support systems.
Avoiding burnout and overwork.
Know the signs of compassion fatigue and seek support as needed.
Setting appropriate boundaries with work, family and media.
Giving yourself permission to feel your feelings.
Engaging in social justice work that is important to you.

Podcast Episodes

Staying Mentally Healthy During a Pandemic - Help Starts Here
The Art of Self-Care for Social Workers - Social Work Blog
That Discomfort You’re Feeling Is Grief - Harvard Business Review
How to Stay Sane When the World Seems Crazy - New York Times

NASW Publications

person sits on couch typing, child and adult watch

Self-Care Conundrum

Self-care too often gets reduced to a lowest-common-denominator, consumerist ideal of something that needs to be purchased. Instead, self-care may be better viewed as a set of skills that we can learn.

Read "Self-Care Conundrum"

Social Workers and Trauma: How to Heal

During this November 2021 chat with NASW President Mit Joyner, social workers discuss how to engage in mental health practices using a strengths-based perspective.

Watch "Social Workers and Trauma: How to Heal"

Connect to end COVID-19, overlapping speech bubbles

Join NASW’s national Connect to End COVID-19 effort, a CDC-funded initiative to support social workers and their clients in informed vaccine decision-making. Complimentary webinars and CEUs available.

Learn about Connect to End COVID-19