Today, I'm tackling a subject that I find particularly complex in the humanitarian sector.
Taking care of yourself and not burning out. And that's despite the pressure and high expectations placed on the shoulders of humanitarian workers!
Do you work in the humanitarian sector and wonder why it's so difficult to take care of yourself?
In this article, I'll give you some food for thought by explaining what the Superhero Syndrome is.
If you'd rather listen to my video on Youtube, it's over here (in French with English subtitles): Put away your cape and take care of your humanitarian superpowers.
The aid worker is perceived as a superhero.
Whether you like it or not, as a humanitarian, you've probably already realized that you're often perceived by those around you as a superhero... a modern-day savior! And this applies to both your personal and professional environment!
It's an ambivalent label! On the one hand, you're admired for your humanitarian commitment; on the other, your professional and personal entourage puts a lot of pressure on you.
Let me explain what I mean by that!
A superhero's cape heavy with responsibility.
This superhero cape is very heavy to wear, because it implies a great deal of responsibilities.
You're seen as strong and courageous! They think you don't need anyone and that you can overcome any challenge.
You're perceived as ultra-committed, never tired, always available, able to react immediately and efficiently to any emergency. You're always on call, because we know you'll be there!
Careful, you too probably think that your humanitarian engagement means that it's your responsibility to play this superhero role! Even if it means sacrificing your personal life on the altar of your professional commitment!
A superhero costume that's hard to take off.
The truth is, once you've got that suit on, it's hard to get out of it or put it away for a few hours!
And why is that?
Because your employer, your colleagues, your manager, your entourage, your family, your friends: everyone expects you to always keep that superhero costume on. You're supposed to be always available and ready to give a helping hand.
There's no rest for you, and you're not really allowed to feel tired!
A superhero role cultivated in the humanitarian sector.
You should know that it's more difficult to get rid of the superhero label when you're working in the humanitarian field. Why is that?
Because in the humanitarian field, it's the norm to meet a lot of superheroes! It's a very common profile in NGOs and humanitarian organizations!
In addition, you've probably already realized that in the humanitarian sector, this superhero behavior is often cultivated and encouraged.
Under a variety of sometimes questionable pretexts such as "It's not just a job, it's a commitment!" Or “Your humanitarian organization is like a family! Or “The people you serve are particularly vulnerable and their needs are much bigger than yours”.
This posture is known as superhero syndrome.
As already mentioned, you're expected to work hard, a lot and without complaining, to be on all fronts, always fit and efficient!
Which is why you never really dare to take off that costume: you don't want to reveal the person hiding underneath, you don't dare to be yourself, you don't want to share your vulnerabilities or mention your needs and desires!
Do you recognize yourself in this posture?
I'm talking about what's known as the superhero syndrome.
This syndrome is partly due to your personality : you're a generous person, who wants to help, please and have a positive impact on your work and others. But that's not all! Also, and above all, because this posture is cultivated in the organization where you work, and this profile is very common in the humanitarian field.
Superheroes' enemies aren't villains!
As a superhero, you run the risk of forgetting yourself along the way!
By the way, if you look closely, what do all superheroes have in common? I mean, of course, apart from their capes and superpowers.
Despite their exploits and unfailing commitment, these superheroes often find themselves very much on their own when it comes to taking care of themselves!
So, guess who are the people most at risk of burnout? It's not ordinary people! On the contrary, it's those famous superheroes, those humanitarian workers who are ultra-committed, hard-working, serious, efficient and essential to their employer.
If you're dealing with this superhero syndrome, you're probably carrying on your shoulders responsibilities that aren't your own. On the one hand, because of the pressure of your environment, and on the other, surely driven by your need to help, please and be recognized.
A superhero also needs to take care of himself.
As you understood, always playing the role of superhero is unsustainable.
Every hero needs to put away his cape from time to time and take time out to rest! Resting doesn't mean doing nothing. In any case, “doing nothing” is not in the vocabulary of superheroes, let alone humanitarians!
Resting means to take care of yourself . How do you do that? By identifying how to limit your energy leaks and recharge your batteries!
Clearly, even if you're a superhero, you still need fuel and energy. Just like everyone else... and like your cell phone, your computer and the Land Cruiser you're taking into the field!
To supply yourself efficiently, you need to identify: What exactly are YOUR energy needs? Which sources of energy suit YOU best? Because every superhero works differently.
Do you agree with me when I say that your superhero cape prevents you from taking care of your humanitarian superpowers?
Do you too feel the weight of this superhero role, which puts a lot of pressure on you and exhausts you considerably?
How can you help this superhero take care of himself or herself?
To take care of yourself, it's imperative that you understand how to take off that superhero cape when it's relevant and necessary.
For this, on the one hand, you first need to tame the superhero in you. On the other hand, you'll also need to understand how to limit external pressures, those from your professional and personal environment.
This is the work I offer in my “Bye Burnout” program, which enables you to:
- Understand how you and your environment function, so you can better cope with internal and external pressures.
- Temporize the external and internal injunctions associated with that superhero label.
- Take concrete, personalized action to look after yourself.
- Identify your energy leaks and recharge your batteries for the long term.
- Find a balance that is compatible with your professional commitment and fulfillment.
- Feel more aligned with who you are and what you need.
- Dare to assert your professional and personal needs and desires.
- Become your best ally.
- Build your wellness resource kit.
This program is particularly suited to humanitarians who wish to prevent burnout or a relapse after burnout. This support is also ideal for those who want to take better care of their energy levels. Indeed, it's often a real challenge when you're working in the field!
If this resonates with you and you feel the desire, contact me for an introductory session, free of charge and non-binding. It's an opportunity to assess together whether my program meets your needs: Get in touch with Nancy
And from here on in, I hope this food for thought will enable you to put your cape away and take care of your humanitarian superpowers!