Therapist Burn Out During COVID19
Burn out!
It’s an awful feeling that we try to avoid, but it can sneak up on us like a toddler in the middle of the night. Psychotherapist are the invisible front line workers during this pandemic time as we hold onto so many peoples negative feelings (our clients, our families, our partners, our children... what about ours?). We love our clients, but that zoom fatigue is real. Not only are we reminded of the sad fact that we’re not together every time we have a teletherapy session, but we’re also working double time to pick up on those important body language cues that we lack digitally.
In terms of how burn out looks, it can appear differently depending on the person.
What it may look like:
Headaches
Numbness
Extreme Fatigue
Lowered Immunity (getting sick frequently)
Sleep Habit Changes
Anger/Frustration/Aggression/Shot-Temper
Teary or Crying Spells
Sometimes you just get the feeling, “yeah, I’m burnt out.”
Therapist burn out is real, and probably one of the most frustrating parts of the job because we need and want to be there so much for our clients - it can be hard sometimes to put ourselves first.
After getting in touch with some other psychotherapists colleagues I’ve compiled a little help list that have worked for them!
Talk a Walk
Get out side. Breathe some fresh air. Get that blood pumping! We can forget we haven’t moved in a bit as we sit inside our home all day, every day. I know that my Fitbit has sent me so many reminders it may think something is wrong with me.
Play
Whether that’s coloring by yourself, playing a short board game with a partner, or getting down on the floor with your child to get into play-doh... play.
Finding Space
Space out your clients. Find time to listen to Yanni in between clients as you write your notes, or doodle to reset your mind.
Take Time Off
Taking time off during a stay-at-home-order? Yes, sometimes you need a full day (or two) to take a walk, nap, have no clients, children, dishes, or responsibilities. Even though we’re at home and may feel like we have free time, our mental load is still at full capacity.
Forgive Yourself
I liked this suggestion from a colleague... Forgive yourself. Forgive yourself for feeling burnt out, for feeling tired, for feeling like you just don’t want to engage at the moment. It’s okay. We tell our clients this all the time but forget that we can accept our own advice too!
Keep a Journal
Keep a pandemic journal, a personal journal, a diary, a doodle pad, or a poetry/quotes note book... anything to get our feelings out of our brains and onto paper can help alleviate some of the weight in our minds.
Maintain Supports
Keep up those friendships! Zoom fatigue is real and if we’re constantly doing teletherapy sessions, it may be wise to just call our family and friends or send texts. Safely say hello to a neighbor from the sidewalk or chat up your favorite local Trader Joe’s employee. Search clinical support facebook groups in your area. Utilize what we have to stay engaged and social.
Rest, Sleep.
Of course, this can be a hard one. I know I’ve been having more trouble sleeping lately and had to remind myself what suggestions I have given to clients. So far an essential oil diffuser, a weighted blanket, and a weight eye mask have helped a little for me thus far.
See a Therapist
Let’s practice what we practice : )
Although many of the advice from our colleagues isn’t new, its nice to be reminded of what has worked for others. Our needs sometimes change over time and what used to work for us pre-pandemic may not work for us currently. Keep your connects and keep it up. “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think,” - Winnie the Pooh.
