Below add on to their explanation of the protective benefit of social support and suggest additional means to increase social connectedness.

Burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma are common among social workers (Skovholt & Trotter-Mathison, 2016). In exploring ways to mitigate the effects of burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma, it is important to consider the social supports available (Garcia et al., 2022). Talking about workplace bullying and other stressors with one's support network can help by allowing the social worker to vent their frustrations, gain a different perspective, or construct different ways of handling the stress (Garcia et al., 2022). In addition, building a microculture of support can help alleviate symptoms that can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma by building a circle of supportive individuals who, regardless of the context of interaction, can help one feel relaxed or rejuvenated and ready to deal with whatever comes their way (van Dernoot Lipsky, 2009).

Looking at my current ecomap, my primary sources of support are family members. I moved a few years ago, and the social support of friends and the church I once engaged with are no longer there. Aside from my husband, my family does not live close by, but we talk on the phone regularly, and they are my cheerleaders. My husband is an unending source of support and laughter. The few friends I currently interact with are sometimes difficult to connect with, given the distance and our schedules. However, when we are able to chat or have lunch, they are a great source of emotional support and bring humor to my life when it is most needed. I do not look outside my family for connection very often, which can sometimes be isolating. Making connections with others will allow me to rely less on my family for support and give me an opportunity for broader perspectives and new experiences. Things I can do for greater social connectedness is to return to attending church regularly or to get involved in a local group or club. This will provide an opportunity to connect with others with similar interests. I could also engage in activities with friends I am not as close with that will allow me to develop a closer connection.