Therapist Burnout

“Burnout is what happens when you try to avoid being human for too long” – Michael Ginger. These words couldn’t resonate more with a mental health professional. As a mental health professional our job includes guiding clients through emotional and mental stressors that can cause them to shut down. When asked if I love my occupation, of course I do. It is an essential job where I help individuals cope with the stressors of everyday life. The reality of this occupation is that burnout can happen. Burnout is the result of being mentally exhausted. Putting it into perspective, I have many roles besides being a therapist. I have the role of a daughter, friend, sister, granddaughter, niece, and aunt. Mentally I am to be present during these roles, even if I had clients. It can be difficult to manage all roles, including being a therapist and worrying about one’s own mental health. People think being a therapist means we know how to manage our own emotions better. The fact of the matter is we are still human and are prone to making mistakes. In this field, I have encountered colleagues who are feeling burnout at an earlier rate, who take on many clients and attempt to juggle their roles. We are helping develop therapeutic relationships with our clients and setting goals. Yet we fail to set our own goals to not feel overwhelmed.

Just as a phone needs to charge when it is low on battery, so do therapists. It is solely to protect oneself and avoid emotional exhaustion. Over the years I realized, I excel better when I have a schedule. A schedule after work that allows me to be creative with dance or exercising. Taking breaks for self-care is equally important. Practicing being kind to yourself and establishing your limits can help you maintain mentally equipped for your job as a therapist. It is important to be reminded that as humans, we all need to love ourselves more.