Table of contents:
- Health challenges while becoming a psychologist
- 1. Stress is prolonged
- 2. Secondary traumatic stress
- 3. The emergence of negative emotions when dealing with a patient's case
- 4. Burnout
- How to anticipate health risks as a psychologist
Every job has its own risks, and so do mental health professionals such as psychologists. The reason is, you are dealing with traumatic experiences, patient complaints, to serious cases of psychiatric disorders that may rarely be found. So, what are the health risks that a person should anticipate when becoming a psychologist?
Health challenges while becoming a psychologist
Psychologists don't just have to focus on the problems their patients are experiencing. They need to meet work demands, help patients find solutions to their problems, and at the same time work on maintaining their own mental well-being.
This is why a psychologist needs to anticipate the following health risks:
1. Stress is prolonged
The health risk of stress is very high for people who are psychologists. This is because you are dealing with patients who are under great stress and stress. This situation can be made even more difficult if the patient finds it difficult to open up to you.
At the same time, you must remain professional in carrying out your work. You have to meet work demands, complete a variety of assignments, and work to build relationships and trust with patients.
2. Secondary traumatic stress
Reporting from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, secondary traumatic stress is stress that occurs after a person hears about another person's traumatic experience. This condition can affect both physically and psychologically the person who experiences it.
When you become a psychologist, empathy for patients can have their own health risks. This is because the patient's traumatic experience gradually causes you to feel anger, guilt, and other negative emotions.
3. The emergence of negative emotions when dealing with a patient's case
When a patient interacts with a psychologist, there is a potential for it to occur countertransference. This is a condition when the psychologist feels negative emotions or personal problems mixed up with the patient's case.
For example, you may have had a bad experience as a child. Then, you meet a bad-tempered client who reminds you of the experience. This can trigger negative emotions that ultimately affect your performance.
4. Burnout
Another health risk for people who become psychologists is burnout. Burnout is a condition of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion due to prolonged stress. This condition can drain your energy and reduce your motivation to work.
Gradually, your work productivity can decline and you may feel like you can't produce anything. If you experience negative emotions every time you encounter a patient, try taking a short break until you feel like you are able to work again.
How to anticipate health risks as a psychologist
Psychologists are no different from their patients who are at risk for psychological problems. You also need strategies to maintain your own mental health while dealing with patients and the various problems they experience.
For those of you who are a psychologist, here are some steps to anticipate the health risks you face:
- Seek advice from fellow psychologists.
- Spend time with family.
- Go on vacation alone or with loved ones.
- Participate in a community that you like.
- Share stories with friends.
The responsibility of being a psychologist is not easy, and you have to deal with a number of health risks. No need to worry, because this is normal. After all, you are a human with limits.
When things are tough, give yourself a break. Take advantage of this moment to recall various things that make you feel happy and valuable.
