Taking time off as a mental health therapist feels harder than any other profession.
You have such delicate responsibilities in your hands (your client’s well-being), that taking time off might seem optional, even a luxury.
But the reality is that 28% of mental health professionals have reported high levels of emotional exhaustion, which impacts job satisfaction and ultimately the quality of care for clients.
That is why taking time off is not only optional but a real necessity for any mental health therapist who wants to show up as his best self for clients.
So, is it time to take TIME off?
Here are 5 signs that point to YES!
- You have therapy appointments each week to manage emotional baggage from your therapy services
- You are feeling more anxious than excited about work
- You are going through a lot of life-related stress, like a family tragedy or a personal illness
- You experience insomnia, irritability, or lack of appetite all from stress
- Even though you want to, you cannot show up as your best with clients because you are dealing with your own internal issues
If you are experiencing any of the above, it would be a wise time to take a pause. But how do you do it?
Here are some tips to make sure your time off doesn’t become a new stressor:
- Plan ahead: It is important to plan your time off well in advance so that your clients can make necessary arrangements. You can let your clients know about your time off in a session a few weeks before and discuss alternative options such as rescheduling appointments or referring them to a partner during your absence.
- Set clear boundaries: Set clear boundaries around your time off, both with your clients and colleagues. Let them know that you will not be responding to emails, phone calls or any other work-related communication during your time off. This will help you disconnect from work and prioritize your mental well-being.
- Have a backup plan: Having a backup plan in place can help alleviate the stress and anxiety of being away from work. Consider having a trusted colleague who can take over your clients during your absence. You can also create a list of emergency resources for your clients to access if they need support during your time off.
- Use your time off wisely: Use your time off to recharge and do things that make you happy. This could mean spending time with loved ones, practicing self-care, engaging in a hobby, or simply taking a break from work. Remember, taking time off is not just about physical rest, but also about mental rest.
- Reflect and re-evaluate: Use your time off to reflect on your work and re-evaluate your goals and priorities. This can help you come back to work with renewed energy and focus. Reflecting on your work can also help you identify any areas of improvement and implement necessary changes to enhance your effectiveness as a therapist.
- Practice self-care: Taking care of your own mental health is essential for being an effective mental health therapist. Prioritize self-care practices such as exercise, meditation, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep. These practices can help you manage stress and improve your overall well-being.
With that being said, taking time off as a mental health therapist is not only important for your own well-being, but also for the well-being of your clients. By implementing these tips, you can take time off with ease and return to work with renewed energy and focus.
Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish, it is necessary!