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When we first enter the helper field, it’s common to feel an overwhelming desire to save the world. Many of us play the martyr, pushing ourselves to help as many people as possible, and in the process, we often develop our own issues. We take on heavy cases because we feel like it’s our duty, and while it is necessary at times to dive into challenging work to understand the nuances of our field, this can also lead to burnout.
Over time, we learn that helping others doesn’t mean sacrificing ourselves. We begin to recognize what makes our hearts full and establish boundaries around what works best for us. It’s essential to understand that not everything is within our skill set—and that’s okay. Recognizing our limits is crucial not only for our own well-being but also for the good of our clients and the profession.
Setting Boundaries for Longevity
As we progress in our careers, we must learn to set clear boundaries. It’s easy to burn out if we continue to take on more clients than we can handle, or cases that weigh heavily on our hearts, simply because we think we’re supposed to. Yes, difficult cases teach us a lot, but it’s just as important to protect our mental and emotional health. We need to regularly assess what we can reasonably take on, remembering that it’s okay to say no or refer clients to someone else when needed.
Boundaries aren’t just about workload, though. They’re about preserving our energy, prioritizing our mental health, and ensuring that we’re operating from a place of strength. If we’re depleted, we can’t give our clients the care they deserve.
Helping Ourselves First
One of the most important lessons in this field is the cliché we’ve all heard but sometimes fail to practice: “We can’t pour from an empty cup.” In order to truly help others, we first need to help ourselves. This means taking a hard look at our motivations, asking ourselves the tough questions: What drives me? Why did I choose this field? Am I here to heal others, or am I trying to heal something in myself?
There’s nothing wrong with being motivated by personal reasons, but it becomes a problem if we’re unaware of it or if it interferes with our ability to provide care. Taking a moment for self-inventory can reveal a lot about where we are and what we need to stay grounded.
Defining Success Without Sacrifice
It’s essential to figure out what success looks like for you, without believing that you need to sacrifice your well-being to achieve it. Being in the helper field is about balance: doing the work that fulfills you, while also taking care of yourself. Your purpose is valid, and your well-being is just as important as the work you do for others. If we, as clinicians, don’t take care of ourselves, we are no good to the people we aim to help.
