Working in the mental health sector can be really rewarding, but it doesn’t come without challenges.
Struggling with your own mental health can make it that bit harder.
I spoke with a mental health support worker about her experience working throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. She shared how she has learnt to embrace how her mental health fluctuates rather than put herself down.
“It is so important that we talk more about our own struggles and highlight how normal it is to have poor mental health days and have really good mental days as ups and downs are completely normal. My own struggles help me to empathise and utilise my knowledge to help others”, she says.
Working in the mental health sector made her more critical towards herself in many respects. She felt she needed to be perfect in order to help others.
The reality is we are human and it is important we highlight that it is normal to have ups and downs. We all need a support system. Just as you are supporting people in your role, you too need support. She shared how the challenges that she has faced and her life experience have helped her to provide the best care possible.
It Is Okay To Take A Mental Health Day
Learning to be open and honest with management and colleagues has validated how normal her experiences are. Rather than feeling isolated and presuming everyone else isn’t struggling, she learnt that everyone finds things hard and much as she struggles at times, so are other people in the workplace.
“It’s so important that we start conversations within workplaces so that everyone is able to voice their concerns and feelings, without worrying that they will be looked down on or be considered incompetent.”
Speak To Your Colleagues
They understand in a way that no-one else does. Given there are strict rules to ensure that all information is confidential, it can be tough telling your loved ones about your day. Your team are likely feeling the same way you do, opening up can make you feel less alone or just remind you that every day is different and you’re doing the best you can.
She has also learnt how important it is to ensure you aware of available support systems through your workplace and utilise them when needed.
This can include guidance from supervision management and wellbeing check-ins to available counselling service and courses.
Equally don’t be afraid to speak to your GP about your mental health. There is no shame in needing support whether that be medication, therapy or long term support plans.
Some other things that have helped her to take care of her mental well-being include a post-work routine to de-stress. She highlighted that this is key, especially in such an emotionally demanding field.
But it’s all about finding what works for you. Some days a jog has been exactly what she needs and other days she plays with her cats or has a bath.
She has also found a new love for painting allowing her to completely switch off which has been essential given the increase in demand throughout 2020. For you, this may be watching Netflix with Dominos or having a good cry at the end of a long day followed with a call to a friend.
It is so important you find what works for you and try to incorporate it into your routine (especially on the difficult days).
Remember to be kind to yourself and know that you are not alone nor do you have to suffer in silence.
If you need to talk, Samaritans is available 24/7 on 116 123.
