3 answers
13
Questions
Asked
791 views
Is being a psychologist mentally taxing?
I know you’re talking to people who need help mentally and that is obviously probably pretty taxing but I wanted to know if that could be something I need to consider when seeing if this is the profession that I actually wanna do so far I’m pretty sad on being a psychologist I don’t know if that will change But I need to consider everything.
Login to comment
3 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1186
Answers
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Sophia,
Most individuals don't stop to consider whether a career matches their emotional bandwidth, so it's amazing that you're thinking about it now. Self-awareness will help you get far. Being a psychologist can be emotionally taxing since you have to make room for those who are having difficulties.
However, it's not always heavy, and it doesn't have to exhaust you as you might think. Boundaries, self-care, supervision, and strategies that enable them to assist others without taking on all the burden themselves are all taught to psychologists. Because they get to see people develop, recover, and regain control over their lives, many even say that the profession is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring.
The most important factors are whether you feel called to the work and whether you are prepared to develop the coping mechanisms necessary to make it sustainable, rather than whether the job is "hard." You're approaching this career with maturity if you're already planning ahead, thinking about your emotional strengths, and weighing the advantages and challenges.
Keep in mind that you are still in the early stages of your journey. You'll have plenty of time to explore, observe experts, and figure out which psychology careers are healthy and rewarding for you.
Best wishes!
Most individuals don't stop to consider whether a career matches their emotional bandwidth, so it's amazing that you're thinking about it now. Self-awareness will help you get far. Being a psychologist can be emotionally taxing since you have to make room for those who are having difficulties.
However, it's not always heavy, and it doesn't have to exhaust you as you might think. Boundaries, self-care, supervision, and strategies that enable them to assist others without taking on all the burden themselves are all taught to psychologists. Because they get to see people develop, recover, and regain control over their lives, many even say that the profession is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring.
The most important factors are whether you feel called to the work and whether you are prepared to develop the coping mechanisms necessary to make it sustainable, rather than whether the job is "hard." You're approaching this career with maturity if you're already planning ahead, thinking about your emotional strengths, and weighing the advantages and challenges.
Keep in mind that you are still in the early stages of your journey. You'll have plenty of time to explore, observe experts, and figure out which psychology careers are healthy and rewarding for you.
Best wishes!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sophia !
You've expressed yourself well in your post, but the thing I didn't see is that you have a passion for human behavior that reaches beyond the average person. That is something people must have to be successful psychology students and go into the Psychologist career.
You would not be working with people who "need help" mentally exactly. You would be working with people who are ill or people who need to be tested for cognitive and learning disabilities.
You asked if it is mentally taxing and I am not sure why. It is not the best approach to a career to predict or fear mental draining. There would be a lot more that you may want to explore for stress impact because you will have patients of mild, medium and severe chronic mental illness. Some students have the capacity to not react personally, but rather focus on the information, observation and technique when interacting with a patient. You may hear or see things that are disturbing, so the only person who can know how you would be is you.
Remember what I said about having a passion for human behavior. If you are already sad thinking about this career as you explore it, that is telling you something. In movies and TV shows it looks one way, but in reality it is another way. It's okay to explore more about this field, but it's perfectly okay to choose something different. College is expensive and demands a lot of time, so making a good choice, choosing a major that aligns with the career you really want will certainly pay off.
You should watch some videos on You Tube about what it's like to be a Psychologist. Also watch some videos about mental illness and documentaries in the psychology category. If you get a true feeling that this may not be the career for you, move on to exploring other careers. Use accessible resources such as a free, high-quality series like Crash Course Psychology on YouTube or MIT’s intro to psychology course to grasp core concepts in an engaging way. Take a psychology class in high school. Discuss what's on your mind with your guidance counselor.
The change that would need to take place about this career would be that you'd suddenly not worry about it and be more interested in the actual work. If that "change" happens for you, you may be on the right path for this career. But, be true to yourself always and keep exploring both psychology careers and others.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
You've expressed yourself well in your post, but the thing I didn't see is that you have a passion for human behavior that reaches beyond the average person. That is something people must have to be successful psychology students and go into the Psychologist career.
You would not be working with people who "need help" mentally exactly. You would be working with people who are ill or people who need to be tested for cognitive and learning disabilities.
You asked if it is mentally taxing and I am not sure why. It is not the best approach to a career to predict or fear mental draining. There would be a lot more that you may want to explore for stress impact because you will have patients of mild, medium and severe chronic mental illness. Some students have the capacity to not react personally, but rather focus on the information, observation and technique when interacting with a patient. You may hear or see things that are disturbing, so the only person who can know how you would be is you.
Remember what I said about having a passion for human behavior. If you are already sad thinking about this career as you explore it, that is telling you something. In movies and TV shows it looks one way, but in reality it is another way. It's okay to explore more about this field, but it's perfectly okay to choose something different. College is expensive and demands a lot of time, so making a good choice, choosing a major that aligns with the career you really want will certainly pay off.
You should watch some videos on You Tube about what it's like to be a Psychologist. Also watch some videos about mental illness and documentaries in the psychology category. If you get a true feeling that this may not be the career for you, move on to exploring other careers. Use accessible resources such as a free, high-quality series like Crash Course Psychology on YouTube or MIT’s intro to psychology course to grasp core concepts in an engaging way. Take a psychology class in high school. Discuss what's on your mind with your guidance counselor.
The change that would need to take place about this career would be that you'd suddenly not worry about it and be more interested in the actual work. If that "change" happens for you, you may be on the right path for this career. But, be true to yourself always and keep exploring both psychology careers and others.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
This is really helpful thank you so much
sophia
You are very welcome, Sophia !
Michelle M.
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hi Sophia!
This is a great question — and it shows a lot of maturity that you’re thinking about what this career feels like on a daily basis, not just what it “sounds like.”
Short answer: Yes, being a psychologist can be mentally taxing.
But: It is also incredibly meaningful, and there are many ways to take care of yourself so the job doesn’t overwhelm you.
Here are a few things to consider:
1. It’s normal to feel emotionally tired sometimes
You listen to difficult stories and support people during tough moments. That requires empathy and focus, so some days will feel heavier than others.
2. Psychologists are trained for this
You learn boundaries, emotional regulation, self-care strategies, and how to support people without “absorbing” everything they feel.
The job becomes much easier once you gain these skills.
3. You’re not alone — psychologists work in teams
Supervision, colleagues, mentors, and continued education all help you process your own feelings and stay grounded.
4. It’s also a very rewarding profession
You see real change in people’s lives.
You help someone understand themselves, reduce anxiety, make better decisions, or get through a very hard moment.
That sense of purpose balances the difficult days.
5. You can choose an area that fits your personality
Not all psychologists do the same work. For example:
• Some work with kids.
• Some work in schools.
• Some do assessments.
• Some work in hospitals.
• Some focus on research.
• Some do short-term solution-focused interventions.
Not every path is emotionally heavy — you get to choose what feels right for you.
If you already care this much about people and are able to reflect on your own emotional limits, you’re starting with exactly the kind of mindset that makes someone a strong psychologist.
You can absolutely thrive in this field — with good training and healthy boundaries.
This is a great question — and it shows a lot of maturity that you’re thinking about what this career feels like on a daily basis, not just what it “sounds like.”
Short answer: Yes, being a psychologist can be mentally taxing.
But: It is also incredibly meaningful, and there are many ways to take care of yourself so the job doesn’t overwhelm you.
Here are a few things to consider:
1. It’s normal to feel emotionally tired sometimes
You listen to difficult stories and support people during tough moments. That requires empathy and focus, so some days will feel heavier than others.
2. Psychologists are trained for this
You learn boundaries, emotional regulation, self-care strategies, and how to support people without “absorbing” everything they feel.
The job becomes much easier once you gain these skills.
3. You’re not alone — psychologists work in teams
Supervision, colleagues, mentors, and continued education all help you process your own feelings and stay grounded.
4. It’s also a very rewarding profession
You see real change in people’s lives.
You help someone understand themselves, reduce anxiety, make better decisions, or get through a very hard moment.
That sense of purpose balances the difficult days.
5. You can choose an area that fits your personality
Not all psychologists do the same work. For example:
• Some work with kids.
• Some work in schools.
• Some do assessments.
• Some work in hospitals.
• Some focus on research.
• Some do short-term solution-focused interventions.
Not every path is emotionally heavy — you get to choose what feels right for you.
If you already care this much about people and are able to reflect on your own emotional limits, you’re starting with exactly the kind of mindset that makes someone a strong psychologist.
You can absolutely thrive in this field — with good training and healthy boundaries.