A perfect color to reflect on as we head into World Mental Health Day!

Let’s take a moment to talk about how mental health professionals take care of their own mental health, especially when constantly holding space for others.

The BLUE SKY has limits, just like us

Mental health professionals often strive to be like the blue sky—open, expansive, and ready to hold space for everyone’s emotions and stories. But even the sky has its limits, and so do they. It’s easy to forget that they are human too, and can't be everything for everyone. That’s why it’s so important to remain aware of their own boundaries.

No one is immune to being affected by the emotions of their clients. Sometimes, the pain of others lingers, and that’s natural. It’s not about avoiding those feelings but about recognizing that this emotional impact is happening.

Reflecting on each session, considering what was learned, felt, and how it influenced their own emotions is crucial. Ignoring it only leads to burnout, which is unsustainable in this field.

Like the DEEP BLUE SEA, reflection is essential

The depth of the ocean mirrors the depth of the work in mental health. There is always much to unpack, and without taking time to reflect, one can become weighed down. It's essential to release the emotional energy that builds up, whether through journaling, meditation, or quietly processing thoughts. This allows professionals to untangle their clients' stories from their own lives and ensure they're not carrying the emotional weight with them.

Peer Support and Supervision: A Lifeline

Peer support and supervision play a critical role in self-care for mental health professionals. Watching videos from other mentors and mental health experts provides diverse perspectives and opens up new ways of thinking. This helps avoid the trap of seeing things from just one angle.

Discussing challenges with peers helps prevent subjective bias from creeping in. Seeking out different perspectives—whether from a female peer when the issue involves a male client, or a parent’s viewpoint when working with children—offers a more holistic understanding. It’s not about prioritizing one perspective over another, but rather gaining insight into context, culture, and systemic barriers that could influence the situation.

As we honor the color Blue today, let’s also celebrate the equilibrium between being open to others and ensuring one's own mental well-being is cared for.