Therapists Struggle With Mental Health, Too— And It’s Okay To Ask For Help
Mental health professionals play a crucial role in society, offering support and guidance to people all over the world, but the nature of their work often exposes them to high levels of stress and burnout. There are unique challenges faced by therapists and counselors that other industries don’t always deal with, like managing blurred boundaries between personal and work lives, emotional exhaustion, burnout, and stigmas surrounding mental health struggles. Though counseling is a very rewarding career for many people, it can still be draining and exhausting. The good news is that there are many options to make the job a little more enjoyable!
UNDERSTANDING BURNOUT
A therapist is no stranger to burnout, with a demanding workload that can take a toll on even the sanest person’s mental well-being. Despite decades of stigmas that attempt to disregard these issues, there’s no tip-toeing around the fact that therapists are exposed to a higher level of anxiety and depression as compared to other careers. The good news is that there are many ways to create a better work environment with healthy boundaries that will benefit both the therapist and their clients.
Unlike many other professions, therapists often find themselves dealing with something known as “one-way caring,” meaning therapists are expected to offer unconditional emotional support to clients without reciprocation. Once they’re off the clock and easing back into their personal lives, it’s common for mental health professionals to overlook their own issues because they’re used to giving support to others without receiving support in return. This asymmetrical dynamic can cause even more tension and emotional burnout. Self-care tends not to be a priority for many therapists, even though mental health professionals need emotional support systems just as much as any other group of people would.
Section II.12 of the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists even compels psychologists to participate in self-care to avoid things like addictions and burnout, which would impair their judgment and ability to offer help to their clients. Many people view self-care as something unimportant and luxurious when it can be something as simple and vital as remembering to drink enough water in the morning and get enough sleep at night. It’s a necessity for everyone to remember to take care of themselves, even when other forces are consuming their energy, time, and attention. This issue is especially prevalent in the mental health field, for therapists who are so used to looking after other people that they often forget to pay attention to their own issues and needs.
VIRTUAL THERAPY
Virtual therapy, while offering accessibility and convenience, presents specific challenges for mental health professionals. One of the most significant struggles is screen fatigue, which is caused by prolonged exposure to digital screens. This can lead to eye strain, headaches, and difficulty focusing for extended periods of time. This can ultimately affect even the best therapist’s ability to provide effective support to clients. Recognizing the impact of screen fatigue, the American Optometric Association recommends taking frequent breaks during the workday to alleviate strain on the eyes and mind.
Taking regular breaks is essential to maximize efficiency, improve concentration and work performance, maintain optimal cognitive function, and retain memory. Stepping away from the screen for five to ten minutes every so often allows time to regroup and recharge. These short breaks provide an opportunity to reset the mind, allowing therapists to return to their work with renewed focus and energy. Research has shown that incorporating regular breaks into the workday has profound effects on mental health and efficiency in various careers.
Prioritizing self-care in the form of brief pauses can have long-term benefits for mental health professionals. In addition to reducing the risk of burnout and improving work performance, taking breaks allows therapists to practice mindfulness. By intentionally carving out moments of rest, therapists can enhance their capacity to provide compassionate care to clients. Ultimately, recognizing the importance of self-care and incorporating regular breaks into the workday are essential for navigating the challenges of virtual therapy and sustaining a fulfilling career in the mental health field.
EXTREME STRESS SYMPTOMS AND SELF-CARE
Therapists around the globe frequently grapple with severe physical manifestations of stress at higher rates compared to the general population. For years, scientists have highlighted the prevalence of symptoms such as frequent headaches and persistent fatigue among mental health professionals. A study conducted by Schlarb et al. in 2012 reveals that a staggering 44% of psychotherapists experience symptoms related to insomnia, indicating that therapists experience a significant negative impact on sleep patterns. Poor sleep patterns are known to diminish the quality of care provided to clients and negatively reflect on work performance in any career.
The connection between poor sleep patterns and high levels of stress emphasizes the importance of prioritizing self-care strategies among therapists and counselors. Engaging in regular exercise is recommended to improve physical health, stress levels, and sleep quality. Physical activity has also been proven to release endorphins, the body’s natural stress relievers, which alleviate tension and promote relaxation. By adopting a consistent exercise regimen, therapists can work through the extreme physical symptoms of stress and optimize their ability to deliver effective therapy.
In addition to exercise, maintaining proper hydration is essential for sustaining a healthy lifestyle and managing stress-related fatigue. Dehydration can worsen feelings of tiredness and lethargy, which impair cognitive function and overall productivity. Mental health professionals should prioritize staying hydrated throughout the day to ensure optimal physical and mental functioning. Addressing the physical symptoms of stress through regular exercise and hydration is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of therapists in providing quality care to their clients.
SEEKING SUPPORT AND FIGHTING STIGMA
Despite their roles in promoting mental health awareness, therapists sometimes experience judgment and stigma when it comes to addressing their own mental health issues. There is often a reluctance for therapists to be open about mental disorders and struggles, as they could potentially miss out on job opportunities. The prevailing societal notion that therapists should embody unshakeable emotional stability and resilience perpetuates this stigma, creating additional pressure for mental health professionals to conceal their vulnerabilities and struggles. This kind of thinking puts more pressure on therapists and makes it more difficult for them to ask for help.
Nevertheless, an increasing number of therapists are challenging these stigmas by openly acknowledging their battles with mental health. Contrary to the notion that therapists with mental disorders lack credibility, many clients express greater comfort and trust in therapists who share similar stories. By embracing transparency and authenticity, therapists foster deeper connections with their clients, creating a safe and empathetic therapeutic environment. Moreover, therapists who attend therapy themselves serve as powerful advocates for destigmatizing mental health struggles within their profession. By leading by example, these therapists demonstrate that seeking support is not a sign of weakness but rather a courageous step toward healing and growth.
In addition to therapy, many therapists and clients alike turn to journaling as a valuable tool for self-reflection and emotion processing. Journaling provides a safe and confidential space for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment. For therapists, journaling serves as a means of maintaining their own mental stability while also sharpening their skills in empathy and introspection. Overall, promoting transparency, seeking therapy, and embracing new emotional outlets are essential steps in dismantling stigma and improving the mental health of therapists and clients alike.
WORK-LIFE BALANCE
Devoting time to non-work-related activities is an important step to creating a healthy work-life balance. While some may view prioritizing personal time as a lack of dedication to their profession, research suggests otherwise. Spending time with family, hanging out with friends, and pursuing hobbies can have profound benefits for productivity and mental health. Taking breaks from work allows individuals to get back on their feet and relax. It becomes much easier to manage stress and maintain focus once they return to work.
For therapists in particular, finding a balance between work and personal life is essential for preventing burnout and maintaining emotional strength. By carving out time for personal activities, therapists can replenish their energy reserves. Keeping up with strong social connections and engaging in fulfilling hobbies can provide therapists with a sense of fulfillment and purpose outside of their professional roles.
Making time for more priorities than just employment can also help with feelings of loneliness and isolation (American Psychological Association, 2019). Fostering connections with loved ones and doing activities that bring fulfillment and joy can make it easier to support clients. Embracing non-work-related activities is important to creating a balanced lifestyle and contributes to the health and emotional resilience of therapists, which enables them to thrive both professionally and socially.
CONCLUSION AND SUMMARY
As the mental health field continues to evolve with new advances in technology and new research about the industry, therapists and counselors must prioritize their well-being to be able to effectively support their clients. To be a mental health professional means to help people, but it shouldn’t be for the exchange of anyone else’s peace or happiness. It’s always okay to acknowledge boundaries and breaking points, no matter what a person’s profession is. By acknowledging the unique challenges inherent in their profession, therapists can work toward avoiding burnout, creating a better work environment, and continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of their clients.
CITATIONS
Posluns, Kirsten, and Terry Lynn Gall. “Dear Mental Health Practitioners, Take Care of Yourselves: a Literature Review on Self-Care.” International journal for the advancement of counseling vol. 42,1 (2020). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7223989/
Albulescu, Patricia et al. “"Give me a break!" A systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of micro-breaks for increasing well-being and performance.” PloS one vol. 17,8 e0272460. 31 Aug. 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9432722/
Devendorf, Andrew, and Victor, Sarah. “Psychologists are starting to talk publicly about their own mental illnesses – and patients can benefit.” 29 April 2022. https://theconversation.com/psychologists-are-starting-to-talk-publicly-about-their-own-mental-illnesses-and-patients-can-benefit-177716