Summary
''Exhausted. Stressed. Overwhelmed. Distraught. These words describe the state of mind of many social workers. There is no shortage of causes: overwhelming caseloads, limited budgets, complex and divergent responsibilities, and secondary trauma, all against a background of political unrest, systemic racism, dysfunctional leadership, and a global pandemic. It is no wonder that many question whether they can survive in the profession. The first edition of Burnout and Self-Care in Social Workwas a breakout hit, providing a guiding light for those who were struggling. In the second edition, author SaraKay Smullens has updated the text to reflect our evolving understanding of burnout. Once again, Smullens defines creative strategies for self-care and personal growth. In this edition, impacted by difficult, challenging times, Smullens introduces a fifth dimension, societal burnout, to her examination of personal, professional, relational, and physical burnout. She has also expanded on the attendant syndromes, or ''wake-up calls,'' that tell us burnout is imminent and shows us how moral distress and injury negatively affect all those who are devoted to a just and ethical society. For those who are struggling, these pages offer opportunities for reflection, redirection, and hope. Whether you are a student preparing to enter the field or a professional at your wits' end, let Burnout and Self-Care in Social Work be your guide to find direction and balance, better serve your clients, and increase your personal and professional fulfillment.''