Organizations are responsible for the conditions of work, and individuals still benefit from knowing what support exists and how to use it. State of Minnesota employees have an Employee Assistance Program, currently provided through LifeMatters. According to the state's current information, services are free for employees and the people they live with, available at any hour, and include confidential counseling by phone, online or in person, with up to six sessions per topic each year, as well as help with everyday life issues. Contact with the program is not shared with supervisors or Human Resources without the employee's written permission, except where the law requires a report to protect a child or vulnerable adult. Check the Minnesota Management and Budget benefits pages for current details, since vendors and terms can change.
Individual practices help most when they are realistic and chosen, not assigned. SAMHSA's guidance for crisis counselors highlights adequate sleep, healthy eating, regular physical activity and active relaxation, along with staying connected to friends and family, building positive relationships with coworkers, taking breaks and time away, and having a self-care buddy or regular group check-in. A short ritual that marks the end of the workday, such as a walk, closing the laptop at a set time or a few minutes of quiet, can help separate work from home, especially for people working remotely.
Meaning matters too. Many staff stay in this work because it matters to them and because they see change happen. Noticing moments of compassion satisfaction, such as a family who finally got services or a policy fix that removed a barrier, is not denial of the hard parts. Teams can make space to name what went well alongside what was hard.
Know when to reach for more help. SAMHSA advises seeking professional help if signs of compassion fatigue continue for more than two weeks or affect quality of life. The Employee Assistance Program is one place to start, and your own health care provider is another. If you or someone else is in immediate danger or considering self-harm, call or text 988 or follow emergency procedures. None of these steps requires telling your supervisor or coworkers anything. If you would like a change at work, such as a schedule adjustment or leave, Human Resources can explain your options.
