The Emotional Stages of a Service Experience
The chart below describes emotions that Catholic Volunteer Network volunteers and Program Directors
tell us they have experienced and witnessed over the course of a service experience. There are times of joy
and times of struggle, both at your placement site and within the community. The time periods on this
chart are based on a year-long service experience, but can be adjusted relative to your length of service.
They may take different amounts of time for different people. Likewise, each person will experience and
react to each stage in his or her own way. The chart is intended to be a guideline, to let you know that such
feelings are normal and you are not alone.
# Stage
1 Initial Fervor
Time Period
1-2 Months
2 Survival Phase
2-3 Months
3 Becoming Settled
4-6 Months
4 Detachment
1-3 Months
5 New-Commitments
1 Month
6 Re-Entry
Ongoing
Description


Excitement for the year ahead.
Enthusiasm to get to know your city and community members
and have new experiences.

Fear/anxiety about what the coming year will bring.

Eagerness to use your talents to fight poverty at your worksite.

Initial excitement of arrival wears off.

New awareness of areas for growth in yourself.

Feeling easily irritated with community members as you
recognize areas for growth in others.

Disillusionment at your placement site as you experience
unexpected challenges.

Frustration that you’re not creating the kind of change you had
hoped for.

Understanding of the depth of injustice in the world.

Homesickness, especially around the holidays.
While this time is difficult, it can also lead to the most personal,
professional and community growth. So, hang in there!

Acceptance of yourself and others for who they are.

Comfort and strength in your placement site environment,
community house and local area.

Gaining a more in depth understanding of service, solidarity and
the impact that you are making in the lives of others.

Finding a sense of balance while challenging yourself and others
to grow.

Realization that your time will be ending soon.

Reflection on both the joys and struggles of your service
experience.

Sadness and grief about leaving. (This may show itself through
frustration or easy anger toward yourself and those around you.)

Exhaustion and realization that you have not “saved the world”.

Stress about what your next step will be.

Gratitude for experiences gained and relationships formed.

Desire to continue a life of service.

Anticipation in preparing for next steps.

Excitement to move forward.

Frustration with wanting to continue to help but unsure of how
to do so.

Loneliness and struggle to continue living simply and find
community.

Continuing to realize lessons learned through your service
experience.
It is also important to know that some emotions and symptoms may be signs of mental illness. If at any
point, you think you are experiencing such symptoms, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Signs of Mental Illness:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Drastic change in personality, eating or sleeping patterns.
Excessive anxiety.
Prolonged depression or apathy.
Thinking or talking about suicide.
Substance abuse.
Mood swings or excessive anger, hostility or violent behavior.
Social withdrawal.
Delusions or hallucinations.
Confused thinking.
Inability to cope with daily problems and activities.
What to Do If You Need Help:
o
o
o
Reach Out- it is not a sign of weakness to ask for support. Start with whoever you feel comfortable
talking to and trust. This could be a community member, family member or friend.
Talk to your Program Director- Let him/her know that you are struggling. He/she can help direct
you to services and resources. If your symptoms are related to stress at your placement site, your
Program Director can talk to your Site Supervisor about making accommodations.
Seek Professional Guidance- CVN AmeriCorps Programs provide insurance for mental health
services. Even if you do not have a diagnosed mental illness, it can still be helpful to talk with a
counselor about the stresses that you experience.