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Pearls Perfected Institute

Why Burnout is Greater Than Ever for Mental Health Professionals

Mar 9 / Dr. Janice R. Love
My daughter informed me that March is Social Worker Month. She is a is a new clinician having completed her education and passing her exam in 2023. She has excited about going to work every day helping children deal with a wide range of issues including mental health, poverty, domestic violence, and substance abuse.

I remember going to her graduation as seeing the passion and drive to make a difference in not only her but her classmates. They were eager to go out and make a huge impact on people’s lives. They were hopeful that their efforts had the power to touch hearts, inspire others and create ripple effects.

I was most impressed by the diversity of her class in both age and race.  This variety in age and experience contributes to a vibrant and inclusive therapeutic community, where individuals can feel understood and supported on their journey towards mental and emotional well-being. The diversity in ages also helps ensure that clients can find someone they feel comfortable opening up to and seeking support from.

According to recent studies the average age of therapists and counselors is around 42 years old.  This age range brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to their practice, allowing them to better understand and connect with clients of various backgrounds and ages.

The demand for Mental Health Professionals is growing...

As new graduates many were going to go to work in settings such as schools, non-profit organizations and government agencies. However, according to recent studies approximately 62% of therapists and counselors operate in private practice or solopreneur settings. This trend has been on the rise in recent years as more professionals are opting for the flexibility and autonomy that comes with running their own practice.

Private practice allows therapists and counselors to have more control over their schedules, client base, and treatment approaches. This shift towards private practice also reflects a growing demand for personalized and specialized mental health services in today's society.

As society continues to evolve, the demand for clinicians and helping professionals is on the rise. But most concerning is the increased demands and pressures of the world that are leading to burnout.  There are several reasons this is happening. The weight of supporting individuals and families through challenging times can take a toll on their mental and physical well-being.

World Mental Health Day is celebrated during the month of October. In honor of that day, SimplePractice developed a study to better understand practitioner burnout.  According to the SimplePractice 2023 State of Therapist Well-being Report, over half (52%) of mental health practitioners reported burnout in 2023.

According to the report practitioners said or have done the following due to burnout. ·      67% have reduced their caseload ·      49% say their burnout has gotten worse since COVID ·      55% say administrative tasks have contributed to their burnout ·      47% have questioned their ability to stay omitted to the mental health profession

Five Common Causes of Burnout

When you look at the responsibilities and concerns of those experiencing burnout. Here are some of the common reasons.   

  1. Heavy Workload – A  high number of clients, paperwork, and administrative tasks. A heavy workload can leave one feeling drained and exhausted.
  2. Emotional Exhaustion: Constantly supporting and empathizing with clients who are going through difficult times can take a toll on clinician’s emotional well-being.
  3. Lack of Work-Life Balance: Many clinicians struggle to find a healthy balance between their work and personal life. Long hours, weekend appointments, and being constantly on call can make it challenging for them to unwind and recharge.
  4. Compassion Fatigue: Dealing with clients' emotional pain and trauma on a daily basis can lead to compassion fatigue.
  5. Vicarious Trauma: Listening to clients' traumatic experiences can have a significant impact on one’s mental health. They may experience symptoms of vicarious trauma, such as intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and emotional distress, which can further exacerbate burnout.

Learn about Burnout From an Expert

If you are a mental health professional, what else would you add to the list? Does this describe what you are experiencing? Do you want to hear directly from an experienced clinician?

Join me Live for “Asking for a Sister Friend”, my new weekly show which features experts and authorities who are mental health and wellness experts. It airs every Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. CST on LinkedIn and Facebook.

On March 3rd we spoke with Dacia L. Moore the CEO and founder of Second Wind Counseling and Consulting where we had a conversation about “How to Get Your Second Wind.”

This Sunday I will have a have a candid conversation about “Therapist Burnout” with expert Dr. Pamela Taylor. Join us Live or catch the replay on my YouTube Channel Dr. Janice R. Love.


Blessings,

Dr. Janice R. Love