Looking after your wellbeing
Updated: Aug 31
Strategies for processing difficult experiences and looking after your mental health.
Dealing with inappropriate behaviour or comprimised boundaries can take a toll. Taking care of your mental and emotional wellbeing is so important to be able to run a sustainable practice.
Debriefing after difficult incidents: Talking through what happened with someone you trust or another practitoner/clinician can often help to process the experience. Consider reporting through The Safer Project incident reporting software, you can stay completely anonomyous for this and it helps to further support the community.
Setting personal boundaries: Define clear boundaries for yourself with your work and personal life to help prevent burnout. This can include scheduling set hours for your work, admin, and personal hobbies and interests. As much as we can love our work, it can be beneficial to set time aside just for ourselves too.
Peer support/support network: Connecting with other can make us feel less alone in our experiences. The Safer Project has launched a private Facebook community so we can discuss topics related to innappropriate behaviour displayed by clients, comprimised boundaries and looking after our wellbeing.
Practice self-care: Things includes all the things we recommend to others! Engaging in regualar exercise, keeping hydrated, eating well, ensuring adequate sleep can all help us to look after ourselves both mentally and physically.
Knowing when to seek help: If an incident is affecting your sleep, work, daily life and/or wellbeing, please reach out to your GP or mental health team. For immediate mental health support, contact Samaritans (call 116 123) or NHS 111 to be directed to the appropriate mental health services. You don't have to deal with your experiences alone.
Conclusion
Maintaining your mental health as a solo professional is essential for both you and your clients. By implementing these strategies, you can create a supportive environment for yourself that fosters resilience and wellbeing. Remember, taking care of yourself enables you to provide the best care for others.