Y& #39;all know I& #39;m big on the importance of mental health, and @atompkins & Sidney Tompkins are sharing crucial tips at #IRE20 abt stress/trauma in journalism.

1st, it& #39;s normal if you& #39;re feeling overwhelmed by all of the *THIS*. If you& #39;re numb, it could be a sign of a problem. 1/

. @atompkins said symptoms of compassion fatigue can include:

- Exhaustion without the ability to get rest (physical/mental)
- Poor work/life balance: Often overcompensate bc want colleagues to know that you& #39;re working
- Quick to anger
- Dreading work
- Hypersensitivity 2/ #IRE20

WHAT CAN YOU DO? @atompkins said it& #39;s crucial to find a way to reset & center yourself. He does it through photos that make him smile near his desk & ice cream nights each week.

You can& #39;t have both sides "on" constantly. Find a way to transition from work mode 3/ #IRE20

Keep an established place to work, otherwise it will bleed into when you& #39;re supposed to be "off."

This session inspired me to get a curtain/screen to keep my workspace self-contained. I& #39;ve definitely noticed my anxiety spike if I see my work stuff on a weekend 4/ #IRE20

Connect with your colleagues, your comrades in all of this. Silence doesn& #39;t mean your coworker is ok. Check in with them.

Be mindful of when you& #39;re sending messages to avoid adding stressing someone else out. You can draft that midnight email & don& #39;t have to send it. 5/ #IRE20

. @atompkins said generosity can help because it releases endorphins. Doing so acknowledges the goodness in life.

I personally recommend gratitude journaling. Keeping a list of the things you& #39;re grateful for (the ability to breathe, food, etc) puts stuff in perspective 6/ #IRE20