I work for a charity that helps sick children. I am the first and main contact for families in need. I have to deal with a lot of very depressing situations, and a few of our patients pass away. I'm usually pretty good at not letting this stuff get me down and focusing on how we are helping these kids. But today has been tough.
It hasn't really been an unusual day, but I think the reason today is so hard directly relates to a dream I had last night. I have a sister who is much younger than I am (she's 12), and she really feels more like a daughter to me. In my dream, she was sick like the children I work with, but my parents refused to admit it and get her the help she needed. I was armed with the tools I needed to help her, but without my parents cooperation, I couldn't do anything.
This dream has been on my mind all day, and with the things I've dealt with today, I am having an emotional burnout. I have two more hours left here and things I need to do, but I really just want to avoid that stuff right now. Does anyone have any tips on de-stressing and just getting this dream out of my mind? Just typing this helped a little bit.
I would say journal or talk to someone - this probably was the same thing. Sometimes dreams really don't mean anything. It's frustrating though. Maybe just tell her you love her and you'll feel better.
OK, no jokes or wisecracks here. It is very normal in your line of work to experience this. To be effective you have to maintain compusure and be strong for these families. But your human! Dealing with this will have an effect and it sounds like your expressing it through the dream. I'm sure there is nothing scarier to you than the thought that these things could happen to someone you love, and that you would be unable to help. Your mind and heart are just letting you know that your reserve strength tank is running a bit low. As you are able to do so, take some de-compression time, tell your family how much you love them, maybe even take your little sis somewhere and spoil her silly. And PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! God is ready to revive you, all you have to do is ask.
Hey, if you ask me, this shows that HARTZ is a perfect last name, 'cause you got enough for 2!
I know dreams sometimes relate to things going on in our lives. Look into past conversations and dealings with you folks and sister to see if there may be something that triggered the dream. I'm sure you'll find something and hopefully it isn't anything. And if you can't just let it pass.
I had a dream about my daughter dying about 3-4 months ago. I woke up in tears and then spent the next hour or so trying to figure out why I dreamt that. I couldn't think of anything. I checked on her in her bedroom and she was fine. I still do not know why I had that dream. So I've just chalked it up to just one of those things. But I know what your going through. It bugged me for several days.
Thanks guys, you are really helping. WFTR, I think you have hit the nail on the head. I was probably getting burnt out before I had the dream, and my subconscious was trying to tell me that. Just one more day to go, and I came in early this morning (you know, couldn't sleep!), so I get to leave an hour early tomorrow, and then 3 day weekend! I'll have an extra day to recharge, that should help.
Sparky - who helps you down if you get stuck in the tree? Do you have a staff of firefighter around if you need them? And if you do, could you send a lovely cutie my way please.
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Stop trying to be what you see. Be what you ought to be.
Mz, you probably wont get this till tomorrow. But i just wanted to tell you that you are so super. i could never do a job like that. many people couldn't. and that you will is a blessing to so many people including me. even though i am not personally involved with you or your job, i feel the comfort of knowing there are people like you out there that are there for people like me. and doing this job that is so important to everyone in our society. i want to thank you for putting your well being on the line for others. you are truly an angel.
Thanks again guys! I felt better when I left yesterday. Today's Friday, I have a long weekend ahead of me, and I'm helping a friend move tonight, so I'll get pizza and alcohol. Come Tuesday, I think I'll be recharged and ready to go again, I just need some ME time.
Yes, I am feeling better today. I've had a few drinks this weekend and loosened up a bit since yesterday. If only I had a faster internet connection! Then I could listen to FFR and my day would be complete. For now I'll sit back, pet my cat, eat my lucky charms, and check my Powerball numbers...
We're probably going to be testing a slower connection later this week. It would work with dial-up at home. So soon you may be able to listen at home (although the sound quality won' the quite as good).
We tested this about a year ago, but didn't have the software to handle it properly. With some recent upgrades I think we can do it now.
Thanks Star! Hey, a random Moo can cure anything, right?
MOOOOOOOO! MOOOOOOOO!
