How labels in the Mental Health Profession are an obstacle to connection, and what you can do about it
Whether you are a psych, psychiatrist, mental health nurse, mental health social worker, mental health OT, counsellor, or are working in a different capacity in the mental health field, we share something in common. An inbuilt desire to help others improve their mental health.
Not many people know how it feels to sit in acceptance with another human being. To encourage people to share with your their deepest thoughts, the ones that keep them up at night, that stop them forming relationships and loving others, from loving themselves.
And then through the deepest caring and understanding help them lead better, more fulfilling lives.
You and me, we are part of an exclusive club.
Now I don’t know about you but ever since I graduated I’ve had a love/hate relationship with my label. The result of which is division, judgement, ego driven decisions made by professional bodies; and as peers we get engaged in justification discussions, energy zapping (Maybe you’re noticing an internal dialogue about this with yourself as you are listening/reading).
Labels have their purpose but….
when we talk in the short hand of labels, there is the risk of losing the nuances and humanity and we top seeing each other as people first.
MY TIPS
Commit yourself to
- seeing the MHP as a person first
- seeing their abilities
- understanding your abilities and speaking to those
- making referrals to the most appropriate MHP you know that can help with a presenting problem.
- noticing and compartmentalising the it’s not fair talk (like I needed/need to do)
Some journal prompts / guiding questions
What skills do you need in your referral network.
What do I do well?
What do I need help with - who may be able to help me with this?
What next?
- Declutter - ask yourself if groups you are in / connections you have are showing appropriate levels of acceptance and tolerance.
- A reminder that for the month of January – I am gifting you the 7 Step Digital Detox Program in return for an authentic review and/or a share or recommendation.
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Connection in the mental health professional world can be difficult, but is necessary to avoid burnout and to have a satisfying and sustainable career.
To increase connection start with an authentic and accepting understanding of yourself; then of others; then of a deep appreciation for how we are all connected to create positive change in the world. .
By embracing your authenticity you invite confidence and calm into you life.
If this sound a bit overwhelming, it doesn't have to be.
Using gentle, simple and practical strategies, you can strengthen connection with yourself, others and the natural world.
RESOURCES To access free and paid resources click here.
To contact me email me here.
THANK YOU so much for listening. Everytime I see that someone else has listened to an episode, I think of them and give thanks that my words are connecting with someone, wherever they are and I hope that they are hearing what they need.
If you like this episode, please subscribe so you don't miss upcoming episodes. I am always keen to hear of what questions you would like me to answer, or what topics you would like me to talk about. And if you know a great guest for the podcast you can let me know that as well.
Until next time, take care of yourself.
Kim xx
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