Libraries are wonderful and you're surrounded by books, which is amazing, but if you are library staff or volunteer at a library you may find it can sometimes be emotionally and/or mentally draining. Library staff juggle a variety of roles. We help patrons in need, manage community challenges, and balance the growing demands of our tasks. With such a wide range of responsibilities, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. That’s why taking care of your mental health is so important.
Today, I want to share a variety of tips and resources that can help. Whether you’re dealing with compassion fatigue, workplace stress, overwhelmed with school assignments, or just need a moment to breathe, there’s something here to help with your well-being.
Tips for Protecting Your Mental Health
Set Boundaries
- Know your limits when working with challenging patrons or overwhelming workloads. It’s okay to say no or ask for help when you need it.
- Establish clear times for breaks, even if it’s just stepping away for five minutes.
Practice Mindfulness
- Take a few moments during your day to pause and breathe. Apps like Calm or Insight Timer offer guided meditations perfect for quick mental resets.
- Practice grounding techniques, like focusing on five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste.
Lean on Peer Support
- Connect with coworkers to share experiences, frustrations, and strategies. Peer support groups can make a big difference in feeling less isolated.
- Celebrate small wins together, like successfully managing a difficult situation or hosting a successful program.
Find a Hobby or Start a Creative Project
- Engaging in a hobby or creative activity can work wonders for your mental health. Whether it’s painting, gardening, writing, or learning a new skill, doing something you enjoy can help you unwind and bring joy to your day.
- If you’re not sure where to start, think about something you’ve always wanted to try. A new creative project might be just what you need to recharge.
Spend Time with Friends or Loved Ones
- Social connection is a powerful way to relieve stress and improve mental health. Plan an outing with friends or family—a hike in nature, lunch at a favorite spot, or a visit to a tea café for a cozy teatime treat.
- Remember the phrase “Treat Yo’ Self.” Whether it’s splurging on a fancy dessert or booking that much-needed massage, doing something fun with loved ones can lift your spirits and help you feel supported.
Stay Active
- Movement can do wonders for your mental health. Take a walk during lunch or try a quick stretch behind the desk.
- Incorporate physical activity into your routine to help manage stress and improve focus.
Mental Health Resources
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselorLibrary Worker Trauma Support Website - https://urbanlibrariansunite.org/ultsNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7Hotlines and Support Services
Apps
- Calm – Offers guided meditations, sleep stories, and relaxation tools.
- Headspace – Great for learning meditation and mindfulness techniques.
- Sanvello – Focuses on stress and anxiety management with tools and journaling features.
Books to Explore
- Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski
- The Cure for Burnout by Emily Ballesteros
- The Self-Care Solution: A Year of Becoming Happier, Healthier, and Fitter by Jennifer Ashton
- Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky
- Self-care for People With ADHD: 100+ Ways to Recharge, De-stress, and Prioritize You! by Sasha Hamdani
- Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness (Crystals, Cleanses, and Bubble Baths Not Included) by Pooja Lakshmin
- Find Your Unicorn Space: Reclaim Your Creative Life in a Too-Busy World by Eve Rodsky
Creating a Library Culture of Mental Health Awareness
Beyond personal self-care, it’s important for library leadership to foster an environment where mental health is prioritized. Some ideas include:
- Offering mental health days for staff.
- Hosting workshops on managing stress and compassion fatigue.
- Creating quiet spaces in the library where staff can decompress.
- Partnering with local mental health organizations to provide additional resources.
Remember You Are Not Alone
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that you’re not alone. There are tools, resources, and people who care about your well-being. Take time to check in with yourself, lean on your support system, and explore the resources that work best for you.
If you ever feel like you’re in crisis or may harm yourself, please seek professional help immediately. There is strength in asking for help, and support is just a call or text away.
With care and support,
the Compassionate Librarian
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