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Mindful Margins: Maz Alexander on Compassion Fatigue and Boundaries for Helping Professionals | The Lived Experiences PodcastIn this essential episode, I sit down with Maz Alexander, a social worker and coach hailing all the way from London, to discuss a topic that doesn't get nearly enough attention - compassion fatigue and burnout among helping professionals and caregivers. Maz brings vital insights into the challenges faced by therapists, nurses, social workers, and anyone in caring professions who give so much of themselves that they often forget to care for their own well-being.🔍 In our conversation, we explore:• Understanding compassion fatigue and how it differs from regular burnout• Recognizing the early warning signs before you hit a breaking point• The struggle of taking on too much and the difficulty of saying no• Creating healthy boundaries while serving in caregiver roles• Why helping professionals are particularly vulnerable to burnout• Practical strategies for protecting your mental and emotional health• The importance of "mindful margins" in your life and work• Self-care practices that actually work for busy caregivers• Overcoming guilt when prioritizing your own needs• Building sustainable practices in helping professionsWhat makes this conversation so crucial is that Maz addresses the unique challenges faced by those whose entire profession is built around caring for others. The pressure to always be available, the guilt around setting boundaries, and the slow erosion of well-being that happens when we neglect our own needs - these are realities that too many helpers face in silence.This episode is a must-listen for anyone in healthcare, social work, therapy, education, ministry, or any role where you're constantly giving to others. It's also valuable for leaders and organizations who want to better support their caregiving staff.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Welcome03:00 - Maz Alexander's Journey and Background06:00 - Challenges Faced by Caregivers09:00 - Importance of Setting Boundaries12:00 - Professional vs. Personal Caregiving15:00 - Recognizing and Preventing Burnout18:00 - Overcoming Guilt and Shame21:00 - Reclaiming Identity and Purpose24:00 - COVID-19's Impact on Self-Reflection27:00 - Closing Remarks and Contact InformationStay Connected: Dr. Tamea Ryan 🌐 Website: www.thelivedexp.com 📱 Instagram: thelivedexp 👥 Facebook: The Lived Experiences ________________________________ Stay Connected: Zoey Michaels 🌐 LinkedIn: Maz Alexander📱 Instagram: maztransformationalcoaching📚 Amazon: Arise Kintsugi Queens: You Are Becoming All You Were Meant to Be