Earlier this month the APS released an article that indicated that “more than 50% of psychologists are burnt out or at risk of burn out”.
This got me thinking – As psychologists we are trained and skilled in recognising when others are struggling, but how good are we at recognising these things within ourselves?
Long wait lists, a reduction in funded sessions and increased mental health issues are all things that are adding stress to our clients, but they are also stressful for psychologists. Many of us likely don’t feel that we are able to provide enough support to our clients, or to enough clients within the constraints of the current mental health system. This can lead to feelings of disappointment, and helplessness which are likely contributors to the high rates of burnout.
Here are three things to keep in mind for psychologists:
- Be self-aware and check in with yourself.
- Client care vs self-care
- Take your own advice and seek support.
Check in with yourself
Part of being a good psychologist is being self-aware and knowing that how you are functioning impacts on your ability to provide quality client care. Notice changes in your feelings and behaviour: are you more tired and stressed than usual, are you not feeling your usual passion for your work, are you feeling unwell and rundown?
Client care vs self-care
Remember that caring for yourself is just as important as caring for your clients. Make sure you are practicing good self-care: eating healthy, exercising, getting enough sleep, spending time with loved ones, and doing things you enjoy.
Take your own advice and seek support
If you feel like you are struggling or need some support – reach out. Whether its supervision, or seeking psychological support, or even just talking to family and friends about how you are feeling. Remember the things you might suggest for a client who is feeling stressed or burnt out also work for us.
Don't know where to reach out for supervision or looking for some local training opportunities? Look no further than Community Connect We Care. A unique opportunity to attend training opportunities in the Lower Hunter that you usually have to attend in a capital city AND the option to add a monthly supervision with a senior Psychologist. Sign up to be kept up to date - https://share.hsforms.com/1S8xg8Od6TAmkafYeP6VmNw30942