Emotions often come up for health professionals as they navigate the topics of drug use, birth, and child welfare reporting. Healthcare professionals have reported feelings of guilt, shame, sadness, and confusion. Healthcare professionals have also reported feeling confident about their reporting decisions. Whatever your feelings are, we encourage you to reflect on and sit with them.

Make some notes for yourself now on the emotions that come up as well as how you deal with these emotions in your professional life. Some people find meditation or discussions with others helpful; some find rituals or physical activity beneficial. We want you to build your own toolbox to help navigate your emotions related to this topic.