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just a question but?

what is it like being a psychiatrist/ counselor I want to be one but I'm scared and i don'r know if i can handle the stress and emotional toll how do some of you guys handle it

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Subject: Career question for you

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Dina’s Answer

Thanks for your honesty, Jah-Nia. Prioritizing your emotional well-being is important for becoming a professional.

As a psychologist, I recommend getting good training. There are many types of degrees that lead to becoming a therapist (e.g. social work, mental health counseling, psychology). Be sure to look into the number of years that the program takes to complete and what types of training they offer. Longer programs are not necessarily better, but having coursework and practice in the type of therapy that you want to provide is essential. Your training will build your capacity to help others and notice signs in yourself that your emotions are starting to take over.

Even with proper training, therapy leaves everyone feeling depleted at times. It’s human to feel overwhelmed from listening to many emotional stories and focusing on others’ problems. Learning to set limits for yourself will help you become a better therapist and better version of yourself.

Good luck on the journey!
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Judith-Ann’s Answer

Jah-Nia, I would say you are feeling a pretty normal feeling of fear of emotional stress. It's good first to ask what exactly are you scared of? Is it not being sure if this is for you? Is it fear of failure? Is it fear of learning the skills it takes? Be as specific as you can to determine the exacty cause of your fear and then perhaps find a mentor or coach or therapist to help you face the fear. Good for you for asking the questions that matter to you. And good luck on you quest!
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Sean’s Answer

Hello, Thx for so honest, I'm a retired Policeman, so this question is out of my wheelhouse so to speak....Good Luck, Sean
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Caitlin’s Answer

I agree with Judith and Dina, prioritizing one's own mental health is essential. Two main ways I do this is practicing my own daily self-care and having my own therapist. On a weekly basis I practice meditation, yoga, journaling, use of essential oils and more to ensure I keep my mind in a healthy frame. Having my own therapist allows me to process and express my emotions around what I go through in both my professional and personal life. Again, this aids me in having a healthy mindset in order to help my clients toward achieving a healthy mindset. Being a healthy is a daily effort. It is important to understand your healthy balance before entering the field of mental health/psychiatry. Asking this question was a great start because it shows you want to learn. Learning, growing, and changing are extremely healthy parts of living! So kudo's to you, you are already getting a great start.
Have you ever done therapy yourself (you do not actually have to answer this hear)? If the answer is yes, then think about how it helped you and if this excites you to do with others as a profession. If you have not done therapy I encourage you to partake in a few sessions in order to see how it helps and if this is something you think you would enjoy doing as a profession. All the best to you in whatever your future holds!
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