At Josiah White’s, a large part of what we do boils down to helping those we serve improve their mental health, whether helping a teen kickstart their recovery journey or supporting a family in crisis. We not only value the mental health of our clients, but also the mental health of our employees.
In honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, we asked several Josiah White’s therapists for their top mental health tips. Keep reading to learn more about how these therapists support their own mental health while serving our residential and recovery students!
1. Don’t take it personally.
It is not uncommon for a student in treatment to lash out at a Josiah White’s staff member. Katie Beth Richardson, Senior Residential Therapist, advises that whenever you feel hurt by the words or actions of others, remind yourself that oftentimes, whatever that person said or did is not about you, but a reflection of their own struggles.
2. Fill your bucket.
For therapists and others in demanding roles, self-care is a necessity, not a luxury. Senior Residential Therapist Greg Hobson recommends that social work professionals find activities that replenish your energy and bring you joy. He noted he has several hobbies, maintains friendships outside of work, and is actively involved in his church.
3. Embrace emotional awareness.
The work done at Josiah White’s can often be emotional and draining. Staci Hyden, Residential Therapist, encourages being aware of and open with your emotions. Suppressing emotions can be detrimental to mental well-being. Acknowledging and processing your emotions is a crucial step towards healing and growth.
4. Set and maintain boundaries.
Josiah White’s is intentional about encouraging our employees to maintain work-life balance. Residential Therapist Adrijana Blazevic suggests that, if possible, communicate your work hours and availability and don’t check your calls or emails outside of those times.
As you observe National Mental Health Awareness Month, keep these valuable insights from Josiah White’s in mind, share them with others, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Mental health matters!