Being in a helping profession has always been difficult. The pandemic has only highlighted the major failings in how these systems function. We have been asked, repeatedly, to do more with less. We are expected to take on more duties without more pay, pick up overtime shifts with less recognition or respect than ever. It is no wonder that we are exhausted, irritable, stressed, and having a hard time connecting empathetically to those we serve. The answer is not in a single yoga class or picking up meditation, but in prioritizing our own mental health.

Before entering a helping profession we have an idea of what it will look like to help those in need. However, our systems of healthcare, law enforcement, education, etc. rarely allow us to show up in the ways we want to for those we serve. It is normal to have feelings of disillusionment, disconnection and despair. We often take the ideal, compare it to the reality and then blame ourselves for the difference. Moral injury is the challenge of recognizing what care people need while also being unable to provide that care due to constraints within the system.

Nobody truly understands the difficulties of working night shift, swing shifts or extremely long shifts (12,16,24 hrs) until they have done it. There are plenty of studies that show the impacts of shift work on health, both physical and mental. The difficulties sleeping, brain fog, feeling ill, decreased immune system, and never knowing what day it is. It is difficult to function, let alone fully participate in life like a “normal” person. This impacts all areas of your life, not only your personal experience of your life, but how you engage in your life at work, in relationships, etc.

As helping professionals, we absorb so much of the pain, suffering and trauma of those we care for-it is inevitable. While we are told to “leave it at the door” this is an unrealistic expectation. We are human, and our experiences at work are OUR experiences, too. They deserve to be processed and we deserve the time and space to have an emotional response to the trauma we see.

Often times those in helping professions struggle to hold space for themselves to the extent that they hold space for others. This can look like saying yes when you really want to say no, feeling resentful or feeling like you don’t get the same care you give others. Generally, we engage in people pleasing or lack of boundary setting as a way to remain in connection with people. However, this usually ends in pouring from an empty cup and harboring feelings of resentment. Instead, leading to disconnection from ourselves and others.

Does any of this sound familiar? If so, I am here to offer a safe space to process these experiences, and more. It’s time to carve out some time for yourself. I’m so glad you’re here.