Y'all know I'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's normal if you're feeling overwhelmed by all of the *THIS*. If you'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're working
- Quick to anger
- Dreading work
- Hypersensitivity 2/ #IRE20

WHAT CAN YOU DO? @atompkins said it'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'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're supposed to be "off."

This session inspired me to get a curtain/screen to keep my workspace self-contained. I'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't mean your coworker is ok. Check in with them.

Be mindful of when you're sending messages to avoid adding stressing someone else out. You can draft that midnight email & don'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're grateful for (the ability to breathe, food, etc) puts stuff in perspective 6/ #IRE20