Psychologist Well-being during Covid-19
Just like many other professions, psychologists and counselors are facing challenges during this pandemic. Similarly, just like any other human being, psychologists face different challenges in their personal life.
The profession itself makes one be seen as a “super being” who can deal with people’s issues as well as their own. They tend to forget that they also have feelings and emotions and sometimes experience breakdown.
Covid-19 burnout is one of the issues therapists are facing in their line of work. They are getting drained emotionally, physically and mentally due to the overwhelming nature of the work they do.
Secondly, Covid-19 pandemic anxiety is also another challenge they face. The uncertainty of how the pandemic evolves in the coming months and that affects their clients is a source of worry.
Thirdly, just like any other human being, some psychologists have pre existing psychological problems which have only been worsened by Covid-19. With the restrictions around some are not able to access help or get their medication thus being left without professional help.
Having support is an important aspect of everyone’s life. When we face various difficulties we need people around us to help us overcome them. For some psychologists they feel cut off from their support system.
There is a need to prioritize one’s well-being as a service provider so that you can be more productive and efficient in helping others. You can start with having a good work-life balance by avoiding concentrating too much on work and their clients leaving no time for self-care.
Additionally, having regular supervision at work is important as it helps the psychologists deal with their own problems as well as those they encountered with their clients. This helps them offer quality services.
Are you struggling alone and can't find support, supervision or self-care opportunities? PDO is providing psychologists and counselors with weekly supervision services and monthly self-care session in Naivasha for two days. To join any of these activities, register here: https://www.pdokenya.org/monthly-self-care.html
Jacinta Maritim
PDO Psychologist Intern
The profession itself makes one be seen as a “super being” who can deal with people’s issues as well as their own. They tend to forget that they also have feelings and emotions and sometimes experience breakdown.
Covid-19 burnout is one of the issues therapists are facing in their line of work. They are getting drained emotionally, physically and mentally due to the overwhelming nature of the work they do.
Secondly, Covid-19 pandemic anxiety is also another challenge they face. The uncertainty of how the pandemic evolves in the coming months and that affects their clients is a source of worry.
Thirdly, just like any other human being, some psychologists have pre existing psychological problems which have only been worsened by Covid-19. With the restrictions around some are not able to access help or get their medication thus being left without professional help.
Having support is an important aspect of everyone’s life. When we face various difficulties we need people around us to help us overcome them. For some psychologists they feel cut off from their support system.
There is a need to prioritize one’s well-being as a service provider so that you can be more productive and efficient in helping others. You can start with having a good work-life balance by avoiding concentrating too much on work and their clients leaving no time for self-care.
Additionally, having regular supervision at work is important as it helps the psychologists deal with their own problems as well as those they encountered with their clients. This helps them offer quality services.
Are you struggling alone and can't find support, supervision or self-care opportunities? PDO is providing psychologists and counselors with weekly supervision services and monthly self-care session in Naivasha for two days. To join any of these activities, register here: https://www.pdokenya.org/monthly-self-care.html
Jacinta Maritim
PDO Psychologist Intern