We ask different people working in trying conditions about how they cope with the emotional stress.

Volunteering

Think of a volunteer who is working for an organisation that counsels suicidal people.

Franie Mahindra from the Samaritans says, "All volunteers are trained elaborately before they start counselling. However, the stress of talking to a suicidal person on a daily basis can be very stressful.

Also, when the volunteer gets to know that the suicidal who she was counselling has ended her life, she would naturally feel depressed and as a result we need to help the volunteer detach herself.

We ask the volunteer to take a break for a month or so and then rejoin us when she has recovered."

Not only do counsellors need to detach themselves from work but doctors, especially surgeons need that bit of space from their work.

Dr. Arun V Shetty, a General and Laparoscopic Surgeon from LH Hiranandani Hospital says, "A doctor's life is the most demanding and toughest among all professions. As a surgeon, I need to detach myself after performing a surgery. So the only thing that can help me is sleep. I sleep as much as I can."

Professional Counsellors

Professional counsellors are also bombarded with so many counselling sessions in a day and with so many depressing stories.

If you are a counsellors, you just cannot afford to have a tear in your eye while listening to a patient's story. This is simply because many patients look up to the therapists and counsellors as a strong person and role model.

In this profession, they need to be emotionally intelligent to cope with their professional demands.

Dr. Seema Hingorrany, a Psychologist and a Therapist says, "I had an instance where a mother came for a counselling session and was narrating about how she lost both her sons in a road accident. It was very depressing but I could not have tear in my eye. So, whenever I get such instances, I go home and narrate the story to my family. While narrating it brings tears in my eyes and I feel relieved."

Apart from this you can also practice yoga and meditation. Meditation for 15-20 minutes every morning makes a lot of difference. You can also listen to soft music preferably instrumental music to make you feel relaxed.