It’s been said in numerous ways over numerous years (often tongue in cheek) that counselors (psychologists, social workers, chemical dependency counselors, etc) go to school to study psychology and eventually become professionals because they are trying figure themselves out and in the process make a career out of it now helping other people.  

In fact, in an extensive review article on the subject in Psychology Today, the author of “Why Shrinks Have Problems” states very clearly that mental health professionals suffer from mental illness at about the same rate as the public general population.  

I’d agree with that in many cases. 

But then I ask you, is there something wrong with that process?  I would certainly desire that a mental health professional with their own issues be in therapy themselves and know themselves well enough to recognize if their personal issues are in any way interfering with their ability to professionally treat others.  This recommendation holds for any healthcare professional entrusted with the care of others.  

I ask again, is there something wrong with going through personal struggles if those struggles lead you to become a better person personally and professionally?  

While this is not a perfect analogy, does a person with a natural tendency towards mechanics who as a child starts by taking things apart and putting them back together have a problem?  Their parents may not like finding the toaster dismantled on the kitchen counter or the computer in various parts around the game room.  But what if it helps the “budding mechanic” work through their natural abilities and become better?  

I think the same idea could be applied to the arena of mental health.  We often start off as children with a problem. We’re bullied, for example. And so we start trying to figure out how “NOT” to be bullied which often leads to evaluating bullies, examining ourselves and any contribution we might be making to being bullied, talking to other kids and adults about things we could do to avoid bullying, and “volia!”, we’ve just started the process of emotionally, mentally, and intellectually “taking things apart” to see how they work.  

Of course, there were times growing up bullied when I would have loved to have “taken apart” my bullies just like the mechanic takes apart a combustion engine. And just leave the parts there rather than put them back together!  But that’s not acceptable in most “normal” societies so that wasn’t an option. For the record, with the help of another therapist, I’ve worked through those earlier issues so I’m extremely tolerant of even my most “problematic” clients. Yay for therapy!

SELF-CARE

A key component for mental professionals to also help themselves heal is the concept of self-care.  What exactly does that mean? Well, it means something different for every person that is needing healing.

First, it is NOT selfish-ness, that is, taking away from someone else to obtain something for yourself.  I’m sure you’ve heard stories of spouses “leaving” their mates to pursue “finding themselves” because they were told that they needed “self-care.”

Second, it is NOT trying to solve our problems by ourselves.  As a committed Christian, I believe we should always go to God and read in His Word, the Bible, when we have a problem  If you’ve never read it, the Bible has much wisdom to impart. Plus, it contains histories of real people with real problems who needed real solutions.  And they found them in pursuing answers from God. 

Third, “self-care” can mean different paths for each unique person in need. 

For some, it may involve a long walk in the woods, paddling a canoe in a forested river, walking along the shoreline or beach collecting shells or simply observing wildlife.  I had one client who was able to find “grounding” by literally going into the woods and touching trees.  By examining the bark, the texture, the feeling of life, they were able to be “in the moment” and relieve much anxiety and tension through the process.  

In conclusion, the notion that mental health professionals often embark on their career paths as a means to navigate their own personal struggles is not without merit. As the Psychology Today article “Why Shrinks Have Problems” suggests, mental health professionals, like anyone else, can experience mental health challenges at a similar rate to the general population.

However, rather than viewing this as a deficiency in the field, it might be seen as a testament to the transformative power of personal struggles. Just as a budding mechanic gains expertise by dismantling and reassembling machines, individuals with early personal challenges can develop profound insights into the workings of the human mind and emotions.

Crucially, the importance lies in recognizing these challenges and actively seeking personal growth and healing. Mental health professionals, and indeed all healthcare providers, should engage in self-reflection and, if necessary, therapy themselves. This commitment to self-improvement not only ensures their well-being but also enhances their ability to assist others on their healing journeys.

Furthermore, the concept of self-care is vital in this process. Self-care isn’t selfishness; it’s about nurturing one’s well-being to better serve others. It can take various forms, from communing with nature to seeking spiritual guidance. The path to healing is unique for each individual, and mental health professionals understand this diversity, tailoring self-care strategies to meet the specific needs of their clients.

Ultimately, the journey from personal struggles to becoming a mental health professional can be a transformative and empowering one, benefiting both the practitioner and the clients they serve. It underscores the notion that through self-discovery and healing, we can emerge as more compassionate, empathetic, and effective caregivers in the field of mental health.

What is your take on this subject? Would you be willing to add your own story if it supports the concepts of this article?