Shades Of Psych

As a Low Intensity CBT Therapist (PWP) we sometimes assess and work with heavy stories and emotions. Not to mention the ridiculously high caseload of clients we have to see weekly, plus never ending admin. It can become really easily to finish the day or week feeling drained and burnt out.

Its unsure whether the role will ever become more sustainable. However as it’s something that is quite in our control, Its importance that we do things to help manage and maintain our wellbeing.

Things I do when I’ve had a particular hard working week include:

• Crying it out
  Im quite an emotional person, and do often find exteme levels of any emotion difficult to manage (good or bad) so having a cry is always helpful to get a release!
• Regular Short Breaks
  It can become really easy to sit and stare at your screen all day when you’re already feeling exhausted, however it leaves you feeling worse.
  Taking regular short breaks for me could be: looking out the window, sitting in a different room, having a non work related conversation with a friend or partner.
  
• Reflecting on whats gone well
  At the end of the week finding two positives that are related to work has been helpful for me to practice gratitude but also maintain hopeful on those particular hard weeks
• Using Annual Leave
  Booking two days every month or so where I can give myself a long weekend and 2 shorter working weeks has been soo helpful for my wellbeing.
• Washing Away the day
  An after work shower allows me to wash away and intense emotions I’ve held onto for the day and also give me the chance to start my evening fresh
• Sharing your feelings
  Sharing my feelings or concerns with close colleagues, manager and partner is helpful. I won’t wait until im burnt out to share, as soon as I notice a dip or feeling of stress I will speak to somebody! This helps because talking about it helps let it out and it also gives me the chance to gain advice