The Work of an Advocate

"I’m tired."

I heard it again this morning. From time to time I hear advocates or even practically the entire staff talking about feeling tired. Especially on a Friday! I feel this way sometimes too as I’m sure everyone does. But the kind of tired we occasionally feel as an advocate can be a bit different than the fatigue from not sleeping well or having been sick or having experienced physical exertion. As an advocate, we often experience the kind of fatigue that goes hand-in-hand with the emotional and mental toll our work can have on us.

Regardless of our role at Transitions, we are all affected by the work we do. In each position, we are constantly thinking about the wide variety of abuse experienced by individuals, the well-being of survivors, available resources, how we as Transitions can better serve clients and the community. We are working directly with adults and children at our safe-houses, through the legal system, in conjunction with other human service agencies, in correctional and treatment facilities, in the schools, at hospitals and police stations. We are reading and writing about the different forms of abuse, seeking information, grants, support, opportunities to expand services and collaborate. We are maintaining records, managing finances, planning events, reporting to agencies to whom we must be accountable for the wonderful resources provided to us.The list could go on and on.

These activities and concerns consume not just time but also obviously much energy-physical, mental and emotional. Physically… I remember, when my position changed, and I needed to set up a new workspace.  Three of us hefted a solid oak desk up about two flights worth of stairs. Staff regularly act as our own moving/painting/cleaning crew for ourselves as well as clients, who are coming and going from our safe-houses. Mentally… We are constantly reading materials, gathering information, planning services/events, writing articles/grants, reporting data, contacting agencies on behalf of clients, problem-solving a multitude of issues. Emotionally… We are listening as people describe traumatic experiences, offering empathy, reassuring that it is not their fault, holding hands as nurses collect physical evidence from their bodies, providing a steady presence as they interact with law enforcement and courts, counseling in multiple venues, grieving and mourning losses with them. These are just a few examples of the ways staff is giving of themselves every day. Yes! Every. Day. We are always open, and even if the phone is not constantly ringing, we are very aware and prepared that it could. So when a victim advocate says ‘I’m tired,’ the truth may be that person is truly exhausted. The fuel has been spent, and it is necessary to refill the tanks.

And how exactly do we do replenish our spirit and drive? As a staff, we share ‘mission moments’ of positive experiences had with clients, agencies, donors. We share ‘thank-you’ cards received from survivors and communities. We accept comfort and compliments from our peers as well as others and share our appreciation in return. We also exchange positive feedback, encouragement, pass along our appreciation to others. Of course, self-care is key, whether that means getting good rest, maintaining one’s own healthy lifestyle, relaxation techniques, hobbies, music, and arts or just sitting for a few minutes to do nothing. We each have our own unique ways to take time for ourselves. These are a few of the ways Transitions staff have managed to refuel our spirit, bring renewed energy to our mission, and continue providing so many important services to the people of the Susquehanna Valley for the last 40+ years.

Well, it’s Friday afternoon as I write this. I’m tired AND have a headache. I will go home, get rest, enjoy my weekend, and be back Monday-ready to do it all over again.

Written by: Tara R., Snyder County Medical/Legal Advocate