Global Grief Network logoGGN Secondary Grief and Compassion Fatigue
Global Grief Network Education Center
Module 4 of 6

Restoring Capacity

About 1 hour

If you or someone you know may be in danger right nowCall 988Text 988Immediate danger: call 911

988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States. It is free, confidential, and open 24/7 by call, text, or chat at 988lifeline.org. Veterans: dial 988 then press 1. Outside the US, use your local emergency number or crisis line. This program is education, not crisis care. If you are struggling as you read, please pause and reach out now.

Lessons in this module
  1. Restoring practices
  2. Brief practices during the day
  3. Support for supporters

Objectives

By the end of this module you will be able to:

Lesson

Restoring practices

Restoring practices refill energy. They can be physical, like sleep, movement, and food; emotional, like talking with friends; or meaningful, like time in nature, faith, art, or play.

Brief practices during the day

Even small moments help: three slow breaths before entering a room, a short walk, a glass of water, or a kind word to yourself after a hard conversation.

Support for supporters

Supporters need support too. Peer support, supervision, debriefing, and, when needed, a licensed mental health professional can help. Seeking support is part of responsible practice.

GGN reminder: You cannot pour from an empty cup. Refilling it is part of the work.
GGN practiceA restoration menu (about 10 minutes)

Create a menu with three restoring activities that take five minutes, three that take an hour, and three for a day off. Choose one from each to try this week. If this brings up pain, pause and reach out to someone you trust, or call or text 988.

Fictional storyFictional Story 4.1: Three breaths

Paramedic Chen started taking three slow breaths in the ambulance after each hard call. He also began meeting a colleague for coffee once a week to talk. Over time he felt steadier.

Questions to consider:

  1. Which restoring practices did Chen use?
  2. What could you try?

Discussion: Chen used a brief breathing practice and regular peer support. Small, consistent practices can build steadiness over time.

Reflection Prompts

  1. What restores you?
  2. Which brief practices could you add to your day?
  3. Who supports you?

Module 4 Quiz

Choose one answer per question, then check your answers. You need 4 of 5 correct to pass, and every critical item must be correct. You can retake it any time.