Self care for Psychologists?

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Psychologists are one of the many prominent figures is in health industry specifically when it comes to mental health. They asses, treat, and help those who suffer from mental illnesses such as depression, suicide, etc. They help their patients understand who they are and what's causing them to feel a certain way. People become psychologists with the intent of helping people but who helps them when they're suffering? Many psychologists develop depression from being around people who suffer from mental illnesses. One psychologist who shared his story of depression even stated that after a while he ," truly believed it would be much simpler if he ended things." Why do psychologists end up feeling this way? Let's dive into that.

Psychologists aim to give patients' a meaning to live and help them heal by relieving mental tensions that may be detrimental their growth. They are responsible for using effective methods to treat their patients which is easier said than done. The mind is difficult to fix. It's easy to treat a wound or give someone stitches because there are set procedures on how to do. Everyone's body is made up quite similarly. However, everyone's way more different mentally. Psychologists must be strong minded. They mustn't take on the struggles of their patients which can be difficult depending on the type of person you are. It involves TONS of stress. In order to be a successful psychologist, you must " separate your work life from your personal life and practice effective stress management techniques." Studies have proven that depression is contagious....

Let's just process that for a second.

DEPRESSION IS CONTAGIOUS!

Of course there are many factors, such as genetics and stress levels, that come into play but for the most part, being around depressed people can eventually make you depressed. Let me give you an actual example:

Researchers conducted an experiement in 2014 that studied over 100 pairs of freshman college students and their roommates. One study was conducted on move-in day, another was 3 months later and the following one was 6 months later. They examined depression among the students and "their tendency to ruminate—their propensity to get tangled up in their feelings and to obsess about the causes and consequences of not feeling well." It was found that those who had ruminating roommates were more likely to be depressed because they picked up this type of thinking. It was also found that they were more depressed than their actual roommates as well.

This concept is similar for psychologists. One psychologist stated," Working with adult survivors of abuse is never easy, and sexual abuse cases involving children are particularly difficult to leave behind in the office, so I’ve had to find ways of protecting myself." This ties into what I previously said before about being strong minded and separately work life from personal life. However, it's understandable that issues like this are hard not to contemplate and think about when you're trying to enjoy dinner with your family or tucking your kids in at night. This particular psychologist became depressed due to this and the stress that comes with being a psychologist such as juggling too many clients with paperwork, supervisory sessions with others, team meetings, etc.

That being said Psychologists NEED to invest their time in self care. How can you help others without helping yourself!? It is vital for them to treat theirselves so they can effectively treat others. They also need to set an example for their patients' and can't do so if they aren't in the right state off mind. Like any stressful job, you need to take a break from it. You need time for YOURSELF. Some ways that psychologists can do that is by:

1. Not prioritizing their patients' needs before their own

2. Seeking help from other professionals and peers

3. Writing down their emotions/ feelings

4. Trying not to contemplate/ overthink about what you've went through with patients

These are only a few strategies that will be beneficial to psychologists and anyone in general. The moral of the blog is that self care is necessary no matter who and what you are. Self care doesn't mean to be selfish , however, if you have to be selfish to ensure that your doing well physically, emotionally, and mentally, then it's worth it. Helpers need help too. Another part of self care is knowing when to seek help.

Source:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/campus-confidential-coping-college/201604/depressed-psychologists

http://www.careerprofiles.info/advantages-disadvantages-psychology-career.html

https://ogradywellbeing.com/psychologists-self-care/