Working In Mental Health Field

[Jade-]

Do you think it's possible to work in the mental health field when you still struggle yourself?

I am currently going to school to become a counselor. I'm very proud of what I'm attempting but a friend told me I need to get my own shit together before trying to help others.

I'm doing this regardless, and I really plan on doing the best I can. If I fail, at least I know I tried my best. I don't feel discouraged over what my friend said, cause I will do what I want.

But.. what's your thoughts on this?

 

[arfie]

some of the most effective mental health workers who have helped me heal have had mental health issues of their own. their experience gave them hope, compassion and insights you can't get from a book or a classroom.

 

[whiteraven]

I was a psych nurse for several years. Charge nurse on a secured psych unit. I'd say you need to be very stable and have very good self-care skills, as well as a strong understanding of boundaries. I think, in many ways, I offered things to my patients that others could not. At the same time, the pressures--mostly from staff and policies that were awful--caused me to eventually leave.

 

[Friday]

But.. what's your thoughts on this?

I’m surprised the first thing you learned in school ISN’T that nearly all mental health pros have their own mental health issues. Overwhelmingly, 1st person, often both themselves AND family members/loved ones, sometimes purely family/loved ones.

 

[Midnightmoon]

Ex psych nurse here too. Vast majority of my colleagues had either direct MH histories or we're drawn to the profession via looking after family etc. As @whiteraven says you need to be in a stable place. We had a high drop out rate of people whose heart was very much in the right place but they weren't steady in themselves to be able to offer the level of support needed for patients. I'm guessing that's even more important to consider in counselling as you haven't got the team in the same way you'd have nursing on a ward.

 

[somerandomguy]

Very possible.

It helps very much if you can't imagine doing anything else.

 

[Jade-]

Thanks for the replies here.

I have no clue how I will do in this field but I plan on giving it my best shot. I think it will be better to try and fail than to not try at all. Ya never know ,I could possibly succeed.