{"id":369,"date":"2021-08-20T18:36:32","date_gmt":"2021-08-20T18:36:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ravelmentalhealth.com\/blog\/?p=369"},"modified":"2021-08-27T18:55:48","modified_gmt":"2021-08-27T18:55:48","slug":"why-its-always-okay-for-therapists-to-take-a-break","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ravelmentalhealth.com\/blog\/why-its-always-okay-for-therapists-to-take-a-break\/","title":{"rendered":"Why It\u2019s Always Okay for Therapists To Take a Break"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You\u2019ve devoted your life to helping others. Yet, while your job as mental health provider can be gratifying, it can also be exhausting. If you find that listening to the stressors and traumas of client after client leaves you feeling fatigued, it might be time to take a break.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think about it. If you are emotionally drained, how can you help others with their problems and feelings? It\u2019s necessary to find outlets to relieve any anxieties or emotions you absorb from your clients to avoid burnout and compassion fatigue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With America is in the midst of a mental health crisis, it\u2019s essential as a therapist, counselor, or mental health clinician that you recognize any signs of stress or fatigue from your work. Your schedule may be full and your phone ringing, but it\u2019s important to look after yourself first and foremost. So, here\u2019s a reminder in case you need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5 Signs You Need a Break Now<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During your workday, you talk with your client about their mental discomforts, illnesses, and traumas and help them take steps towards overcoming these. You enjoy your job \u2013 you\u2019re good<\/em> at your job. However, you find that the job is taking a toll on her own mental wellbeing lately. You\u2019re stressed, anxious, fatigued, have trouble concentrating during sessions, and have experienced a decline in empathy\u2014you\u2019re burned out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTherapist burnout\u201d is a pervasive problem for those in the mental health field. Therapist burnout\u202fcan progress to a very serious syndrome known as\u202fCompassion Fatigue, which has symptoms similar to\u202fpost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), if left unaddressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s easy to acknowledge that therapist burnout is real, but you may struggle to identify when you\u2019re feeling it. Here are five signs you might be spiralling towards burnout.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.You Dread Going To Work<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s normal to have rough days at work or to feel down about your job sometimes. But if you dread going to work every day, you probably need some time off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.You Hope Your Client’s Cancel<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you wake up each day and secretly hope that difficult client you have scheduled for 9 a.m. cancels, you\u2019re probably experiencing burnout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.You\u2019re Annoyed with Client’s<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not unusual to have challenging clients. But if you find yourself getting irritated with most of your clients, you\u2019re probably suffering from therapist burnout.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.You Feel Cynical About Your Work<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Counselors who detach from their work are entering a danger zone rife with ethical pitfalls. If you\u2019ve lost faith in the work that you do, it\u2019s a major indication that you\u2019re experiencing therapist burnout significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5.You Don\u2019t Want To Be a Therapist Anymore<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After years of hard work and building your dream career, the negative impacts of your work are too much to bear. If you no longer feel a sense of passion or reward from your job, it\u2019s probably time to reflect on why you\u2019re so burnt out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Impacts of COVID-19<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Therapist burnout started before the pandemic. But during the pandemic, the number of people struggling with mental health issues has continued to increase and remains at rates higher than before COVID-19<\/a>. In 2020, screenings for anxiety and depression rose 634% and 873%, respectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, demand for mental health and telemental health services has skyrocketed. You \u2013 like most mental health providers \u2013 likely took this wave of clients in need head-on, with little thought about how it would impact your own mental health. If this sounds like you, consider shifting your practice to prioritize your own wellbeing and balance your burnout level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overcoming Guilt<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A recent study<\/a> found that 55% of therapists experience moderate to high work-related stress and burnout. So, if you recognize warning signs of compassion fatigue or burnout due to your job, you\u2019re not alone. These feelings do not mean you are impaired or doing something wrong. Rather, they are an expected part of empathic engagement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, many therapists feel guilty about making time for themselves. But if you\u2019re stressed and exhausted, you\u2019ll have less energy to give to your clients. You can only provide your clients with the best care if you\u2019re in healthy emotional shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Therapist’s Need Breaks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many therapists encourage their clients to slow down and engage in self-care but often fail to follow their own advice. The idea of putting your phone on airplane mode or closing your laptop might seem impossible. It\u2019s easy to get caught up in a routine and tell yourself that you don\u2019t have time to take a break \u2013 and this is the time when you should. Benefits of taking time for yourself include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Increased Self Awareness\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By acknowledging your emotions and the need to prioritize yourself, you will be better placed to understand client experiences and reactions to pain and stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regained Appreciation for the Therapeutic Process\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s difficult to appreciate the work you are doing if you are wound to a breaking point. If you take time off, you\u2019ll be more in tune with your feelings and therefore able to engage in therapeutic strategies or techniques more effectively.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recharged Batteries\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Self-care will create a protective distance between you and the stress of your job.\u00a0 Taking a break will give your mind time to recharge so you can give your clients the best possible care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Refocused Perspective\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try to treat yourself like a client. Take time to evaluate yourself and your needs. Having time to refocus will change your perspective on your work and might even make you a better therapist.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips To Stay Balanced<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to have a self-care plan in place to avoid becoming overwhelmed with stress and burnout. You should build a plan that focuses on your physical, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual needs. Try adding the following strategies to your routine to allow yourself time to heal and be well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Physical Health<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n