Personal crisis & professional work

Working through Personal crisis & Professional work

Mental Health professionals are not immune to life crises or even experiencing clinical diagnosis (depressive, anxious, etc.) symptoms. If you find yourself struggling with your personal life, that's okay - you don't need to hide it or be embarrassed- you are human after all. Your life, including your mental and emotional-being, does not have to be perfect, however, of course, you mustn't ignore the symptoms, and of course, you should determine your options in taking care of yourself, as it will affect your work to some degree. Many clinicians, unfortunately, put everyone else's needs first, and since there are only so many hours in a day, they may neglect their own needs.

Many clinicians at some point will experience loss and grief; loved ones may fall ill, experience trauma, abuse, or death, all very much a tragedy resulting in a variety of emotions (anger, depression, and anxiety) across the family system. Clinicians may find themselves experiencing primary or secondary distressful symptoms, worse of all they may be put in a position where the family's state of being depends on them, which may be too much to bare and inconsiderate of their feelings. So, when you find yourself experiencing whether its first hand or second mental or emotional distressful symptoms, assess if you can or rather should work, as it may not be fair to your clients or yourself to work under such conditions. Remember just because you can doesn't me you should. Give yourself the time to process your own mental and emotional symptoms and loved ones.

As of now, I've come to this topic from clinicians experiencing a crisis during their professional career. Still, it is also essential to address any implications of previous crises, perhaps from childhood or even as an adult, which they may still be struggling with, especially if triggered by a case (counter-transference). If past crises and traumas or even untreated mental health conditions have gone untreated, do not hesitate to seek help. Clinicians, like any other profession, may need to request consultation and help from peers from their profession. Just like a medical doctor will have to see another medical doctor for their screenings and treatments. There is no shame in being in therapy because you are a therapist. Clinicians should know first hand the benefits of being in therapy. We would be hypocrites if we didn't take our own medicine. You like your clients deserve and need a healthy outlet to process situations and emotions and find resolutions.

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