#practice self-care

It is well known that receiving mental health therapy carries a great deal of stigma. Additionally, those in the mental health field who seek help for their own wellbeing are frequently stigmatised. This stigma frequently feeds the myth that those in the mental health industry need to be specialists and problem-free. 

The Stigma

It is frequently unrealistic to expect mental health practitioners to always be strong and resilient. This bias contends that requesting help or acknowledging one's own difficulties are indicators of weakness. Mental health practitioners also battle with emotional problems and worries. For clients to receive the assistance they require, which is important for providers of mental health services to provide proper treatment for their clients, this stigma creates a barrier that makes it difficult for clients to do so.

Social barriers must be removed in order to get rid of this stigma and provide a work environment where mental health practitioners can prioritise their own needs.

It can be emotionally draining to work in the mental health field. Every day, people's suffering, pain, and challenges are encountered by mental health professionals. The exposure could have a negative impact on the welfare and mental health of the populace. It is crucial to value and affirm the experiences of people who work in the field of mental health in order to support them.

Mental health professionals must practise self-care due to the unique requirements and challenges they face in their field of work. Why mental health professionals should practise self-care are the following:

Keeping one's emotional fortitude. 

Keeping burnout at bay. 

A Good Example of Behaviour. 

Improving one's own effectiveness. 

Increasing empathy and compassion. 

Reducing compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. 

Increasing one's degree of contentment and sense of purpose in work

What can be done to eliminate the stigma afflicting seeking professional mental health care?

Promote Normalisation of Seeking Assistance: Encourage the normalisation of seeking help. Mental health professionals should be honest about their personal challenges and experiences. The stigma around requesting help can be reduced by discussing personal experiences with it and demonstrating that doing so is a sign of strength, self-awareness, and a commitment to providing high-quality care.

Creating a Supportive Environment:Mental health organisations and professional associations can foster this culture by encouraging providers of mental health services to get help without being concerned about criticism or suffering repercussions. Give them access to employee assistance programmes, as well as other mental health support services like counselling.

Public Education: It's essential to support projects that draw attention to the challenges faced by those who provide mental health services as well as the importance of self-care. We can reduce the barriers to getting help by spreading knowledge and dispelling myths.

Promote Policy Changes: It's critical to push for legislation that will simplify the process by which mental health professionals can seek assistance. This could entail promoting more fair financial access, improved accessibility to mental health care, and preservation of confidentiality and privacy.

Conclusion

Asking for assistance by people working in the mental health field shouldn't be stigmatised. By resisting the double standard, encouraging self-care, and fighting for welcoming workplaces, we can create a culture that values the wellbeing of mental health professionals and recognises their humanity. Remember that asking for assistance is a courageous act that contributes to one's own growth, resilience, and the provision of the greatest care for those in need rather than a show of weakness. Let's work together to eliminate stigma and make a welcoming space where those who work in the mental health field can get assistance.

If GenTwenty is your unofficial bible when it comes to navigating your twenties, then you likely know by now that we’re big promoters of “self-care” and “self-love.” As a team and a brand, we believe in the mantras “you can’t pour from an empty cup” and “you are enough.” That’s why I want to share some of my favorite self-care and self-love books. We know that self-care and self-love are key to…

Helpful ideas for self-care practices.

Self-care is simply the process of looking after yourself. Some people really don’t know how to take care of themselves. It’s important to discover what your needs are as a person. What really makes you feel good? How do you heal yourself when you’re having a bad day? Do you know how to communicate your needs? Over the past few years, I have been on a self-care journey of my own. I’ve taken the…

* Get off the fucking internet. Step away. For at least a day or two, longer if necessary.

* Do something to reduce your stress. Go for a walk in the park. Draw a picture. Read a book. Read a fanfic. Write a fanfic. Play a video game. Get a massage. Take a long hot bath. Build a pillow fort and curl up in it with a fifth of whiskey. Breathe.

* Do not engage with people who increase your stress level. Doesn't matter who they are. Do. Not. Engage. Gloaters are going to gloat, dumbasses are going to dumbass. Cut them out until you're strong enough to deal again. You owe no one who hurts you territory in your mind.