I married a social worker: I saw what burnout did to her
Mental health social worker dies by suicide on hospital campus
24th February 2019
Social worker treated for shock after she finishes to do list
25th February 2019I married a social worker: I saw what burnout did to her
I married a social worker.
I saw what burnout did to my wife.
It crippled her.
She struggled to get out of bed.
Other people’s emotions carrying a heavy weight on her shoulders.
Dragging her down into a deep dark hole.
An explosion of emotions- so many tears.
She tried so hard to overcome the overwhelming array of feelings.
Put on some makeup, blow wave her hair, post enthralling photographs on social media.
She still acted like the extrovert she used to be on the outside- yet the introvert burnout made of her saw her secretly wanting to be alone.
All of the time. Even from me.
She longed for some quiet.
Away from anyone.
And yet this is the profession she chose- the profession where being around people is fundamental to the job itself.
It was the profession she wanted to do. Always.
She loved being a social worker.
Even though it crippled her, she wanted to continue.
She still does.
She goes on.
On with her job and on burning out.
I hope there is something left of the real her when the flames die out.
More than ashes alone.
I saw what burnout did to my wife.
Secret Social Worker
Every Sunday we feature an anonymous blog from a new ‘secret social worker’. Email me via swt@socialworktutor.com if you’ve got a story to share
Listen to this week’s edition of The Social Work Tutor Podcast. It’s free to download on iTunes, Spotify, Tunein and Podbean
Listen to this week’s edition of The Social Work Tutor Podcast. It’s free to download on iTunes, Spotify, Tunein and Podbean
