“Loving Yourself Isn’t Vanity, It’s Sanity” -Katrina Mayer

Although wellness, self-care and burnout prevention are promoted in the helping professions, many practitioners continue to overwhelm themselves and do no set the proper boundaries to maintain balance in their personal and professional lives. Unfortunately, when well-being is neglected, burnout, fatigue and impairment can creep in and therapists put themselves sat risk of neglect and harm to both themselves and their clients. Therapists and persons in the helping profession are people too and self-care is integral to sustain and maintain improved wellness.

Helping tips for helpers when you feel overwhelmed:

• Be sure to set and maintain boundaries. Many times we take our work home with us, give personal contact information and may go above and beyond or professional duties, in an attempt to make sure our clients have what they need. Unfortunately, the lack of maintaining boundaries can lead to more dependence and overwhelm. Its very important to remember that you must take the time for you.
• Many people go into the helping profession because of unresolved issues themselves. It is important for therapists and other health care providers to remember to get the professional help that they need as well, in order to avoid countertransference and to promote their own mental well-being.
• This work can be overwhelming. Listening to others’ problems, in addition to having our own issues, can be rewarding, yet exhausting. The professional codes remind counselors, psychologists and other mental health care professionals of their responsibility to promote their own well-being. Taking a break, listening to music, having a spa day, or even a weekend getaway can do wonders for your physical and emotional well-being. In addition, having your own personal circle of friends who allow you to laugh, vent, and be yourself is key to healthy self-care.

There is only ONE YOU! If you are a practitioner and need help with self-care, contact Dr. Ronica at hello@drronica.com or 601.622.1393, to help you maintain the balance you seek. 

Hurt is Real, but you CAN heal!