Balancing Your Mental Health to Better Serve Others

As September approaches we want to recognize Suicide Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention, promoting understanding of mental health challenges, and fostering conversations that can save lives. Mark your calendar for 11:00 AM ET on September 27, 2023 and plan to attend OneOp’s professional development opportunity focused on balancing our mental health to better service others. To learn more, go to: Balancing Your Mental Health.

Providers, whether they are Cooperative Extension professionals, healthcare professionals, therapists, educators, or any other type of caregiver, play a crucial role in supporting the well-being of others. However, this role can be emotionally demanding and can take a toll on one’s own mental health. Learning to balance one’s own mental health is essential for several reasons:

1. Modeling Healthy Behavior: Providers serve as role models for their clients or patients. By demonstrating self-care and prioritizing their own mental health, they send a powerful message about the importance of well-being, while encouraging others to do the same. For e.g. practicing breathing with the client during a session.
2. Empathy and Understanding: Providers who understand and manage their own emotions are better equipped to empathize with their clients. They can more effectively relate to their struggles and provide a safe and compassionate space for open discussions.
3. Preventing Burnout: Compassion fatigue and burnout are common risks within caregiving professions. When providers neglect their own mental health, they become more susceptible to these challenges, which can lead to decreased effectiveness, job dissatisfaction, and even leaving the profession altogether.
4. Quality of Care: Providers who are mentally and emotionally balanced are more likely to provide higher quality care. They can think clearly, make sound decisions, and remain focused on their clients' needs.
5. Boundaries: Establishing healthy boundaries is crucial in caregiving roles. Providers with good mental health are more likely to set and maintain these boundaries, preventing them from becoming emotionally overwhelmed. For e.g. not addressing a client outside of office or session hours.
6. Reducing Stigma: By openly addressing their own mental health challenges, providers contribute to reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues. This creates an environment where clients feel more comfortable seeking help when they need it.
7. Longevity in the Field: Providers who prioritize their mental health are more likely to have long and fulfilling careers. Learning to manage stress and take breaks can lead to sustaining passion and commitment to the work.
8. Personal Growth: Engaging in self-care and mental health practices can lead to personal growth and increased self-awareness. Providers who continue to learn and grow are better equipped to support or facilitate their clients' journeys.
9. Ethical Responsibility: Providers have an ethical responsibility to provide the best care possible. This also involves taking care of themselves to ensure they can provide optimal care for their clients.

This month serves as an opportunity to engage in open dialogue, share resources, and support individuals on their journey towards better mental health. Providers who focus on their own mental health create a positive cycle: enhancing their well-being improves their ability to provide effective care, which in turn benefits those they serve. It's a symbiotic relationship where everyone benefits.