The challenges of the past few years have seen many changes to our lifestyles and the landscape of professional psychology. As psychologists, we are not immune to the impacts of global pandemics, natural disasters, nationwide workplace disruptions and reconfigurations, and the many other stressors we face as a community.
Psychologists are no less likely than the average person to experience the effects of daily stresses (Barnett, 2007). It is to be expected that the interactions of personal and professional life for psychologists will create stress, often distress, and at times create impairment (APA, 2008). Yet, often practitioners are much more focused on their clients’ wellbeing than their own (APA, 2009; Wise, Hersh & Gibson, 2012; Posluns & Gall, 2020). It is true, however, that self-care is having a moment. In these trying times, how much of our own advice are we truly taking on?
In a recent literature review of the topic, Posluns and Gall (2020) found empirical evidence to support the following self-care practice domains:
- Awareness of the risks associated with the profession of mental health and of personal coping. Supported by strategies such as self-reflection, creative writing, mindfulness and meditation.
- Balance in lifestyle and workplace encapsulating strategies such as varied work activities, non-work-related passions and relationships, professional and personal boundaries, and leisure activities.
- Flexibility in self-care approaches such as having an attitude of openness, realistic expectations of oneself, effective coping strategies, goal-setting and reappraisals.
- Physical health encompassing sleep, exercise and diet.
- Social support both professional and personal, such as individual and group supervision, peer consultations, mentors and personal therapy.
- Spirituality or mindfulness such as spending time in nature, practising gratitude, spiritual connections and creating meaning.
We have an ethical obligation to be aware of the potential impact of our own emotional and mental health, so as not to impair our ability as competent psychologists (APS, 2007). As we emerge from one of the most destabilising periods in recent history, it makes sense that now is the time to review and reflect on your own practices – how are you coping, how are you balancing work and life stressors, what areas need more focus, have you meaningfully reconnected with social and occupational support networks, are you taking care of your physical health, and how do you cultivate mindful moments?
Self-care has been shown to reduce the risks for burnout, build resilience and confidence, model healthy coping, increase practitioner capacity for empathy, and strengthen relationships with clients and others (APA, 2009). Outcomes that psychologists, clients and communities can all benefit from.
The APS offers a free CPD short course for members to review and plan your own self-care practices.