Psychologists play a critical role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. However, it’s important to remember that the demands of the profession can take a toll on psychologists' wellbeing.

During Psychology Week 2023, we invite you to explore the strategies you can employ to support yourselves and your peers through the demands of an emotionally taxing job.

Our goal is to empower psychologists to put their own mental health first, ensuring they can continue to provide effective care to their patients and thrive in their roles.

When was the last time you practiced self-care? 

As well as the commonly-known self-care activities, such as getting enough sleep, fulfilling emotional needs, maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise, you can also support your mental health by connecting with others in the field. Having someone to confide in and discuss difficult cases with can help you process emotions and detach from the stresses of work.

This Psychology Week, we’re encouraging you to come together with your peers and prioritise taking time to re-engage your superpowers. 

This could involve hosting an event that highlights how essential self-care is, while sharing some of the latest knowledge and tools that can be put into practice. 

Start the converstion 

Events or displays run during Psychology Week are a great way to share and promote psychology with the community in engaging ways that benefit everyone. But, more importantly, it’s a reminder to the psychology profession to put themselves first.   

APS members, as well as organisations with an interest in psychology and community wellbeing, including schools, universities, workplaces, community health centres and hospitals, are encouraged to run events. 

Some ideas include: 

• Group meditations 

• Mindfulness conversations for the group in-person or online using breakout rooms 

• Host a group values session allowing psychologists to identify, share and celebrate the professional values that guide them in their work 

• A presentation on self-care to members / local audiences 

• A morning or afternoon tea with nutritious food offerings and a focus on self-care, managing physical, emotional and mental health to avoiding burnout  

• Walk and talk in nature or arrange a group physical activity that boosts your heart rate. 

• Presentations to students about what to expect from a career in psychology and managing the demands of the profession  

• Start a gratitude board either online within a chat group or as a physical whiteboard for those working on-site.  

• Set goals for the week practicing self-care with a view to continue beyond Psychology Week. You could track the number of steps per day, time spent outside, or think of new ways of connecting with your colleagues or peers.  

All these acts contribute to better mental health and don’t have to take significant time or effort to practice daily. If we remind and encourage each other to put our own mental health first the positive impacts will be powerful.