Day in and day out, mental health professionals are continuously reminded of why they entered their chosen professions. Working in an environment that constantly subjects them to the reality of what people with mental disorders truly experience—be it through the anecdotes they share or through immersions in institutions—continues to open their eyes to the current state of mental health issues in the country.
From cramped clinics to improper medical treatments, Niña Mariñas, a licensed psychometrician and guidance counselor, and Janine Taguinod, a human resources officer and licensed psychometrician, have seen what poor conditions await those who have found the courage to seek help for their concerns. In such dismal conditions, many may feel demoralized and find themselves overwhelmed by the innumerable problems that the sector continues to face and how poorly people with mental health issues are still regarded.
Although the situation may seem daunting, practitioners like Niña are still hopeful in uplifting the current state of mental health care in the Philippines. Janine, while hopeful, recognizes that there are still limitations to this dream.
Still human
While the services of mental health professionals are sought after by those who are living with mental health issues, once their clinics close, the fact that they, too, are human is clear. As much as they want to cater to everyone and hear their stories, they cannot—not without risking their own mental and physical health as well.
Sitting through hour-long appointments with clients and hearing about the difficulties that they have been enduring means professionals are also at risk of suffering from burnout. Janine laments, “Sometimes, I do experience burnout from my work. Kapag ako mismo may pinagdadaanan o kaya pagod tapos may lalapit sa’yo sa work naghahanap ng counseling, or simply gusto nilang may makinig sa kanila tapos biglang iiyak…hindi mo masabi na ‘pwedeng next time na lang’?” The job requires both physical and emotional stamina, and the conflict that arises from their need to weigh out their obligations as professionals with their personal lives is a balancing act that they must master.
(When I’m also going through a difficult time or if I’m tired, and then someone comes up to [me] at work seeking counseling, or they simply need someone to listen, and they suddenly start to cry…you can’t bring yourself to say ‘can we do this at another time’?)
Niña also shares similar sentiments, “To be honest, it’s really not easy. There are times I feel scared in situations [where] I might not able to help them.” For practitioners like Niña, the overall goal is to find resolution for clients and be able to walk them through the process of self-realization. Although this goal is attainable, it takes teamwork from both the practitioner and the client to achieve progress.
Self-care is fundamental
Despite sometimes feeling overwhelmed from their responsibilities, Janine and Niña continue to persevere in their vocations. Acknowledging that they, too, have their own limitations has helped them tremendously. Janine shares, “Kung pwede mong tulungan lahat, why not? But, you are also limited…you have to take care [of] yourself first [before helping] other people.”
(If you could help everyone, why not?)
Psychometricians like Niña and Janine have come up with self-care routines to revitalize their mental health when they feel overworked or stressed. These self-care routines differ from person to person, and their effectiveness depends on the individual.
In Niña’s case, she writes. When even the comfort of writing is not enough, she takes time off to be alone, “In some situations, I go out of my office and just look [at] the trees and [the] farm in our school.” She also observes at least one rest day per week; sometimes, she spends it meditating or praying.
There are times when mental health professionals also seek the help of other professionals—especially if the cases they handle are gnawing at them. Niña finds solace in speaking to her mother about what troubles her. When that is not enough, she sets an appointment with a fellow counselor. Niña affirms, “A counselor needs to be counseled, too.”
Some find themselves only able to shed their professional persona at the end of the day after accomplishing all their responsibilities. It is only after the day that Janine finds the time to fully process her clients’ stories and hardships, “After the session, I will cry. [I] pray for them. [Then I detach] myself and don’t dwell on the story.”
A gentle reminder
Psychometricians have dedicated their lives and efforts in helping others. And though it may be difficult, Niña carries on with the strong belief that mental health professionals are the “living testimony that help is here and people are willing to help”.
Mental health professionals are still susceptible to the same challenges everybody else faces. They are not immune to the adversities others typically seek help for; their duties often require them to value the healing of others. We must understand that they—like everyone else—need to take time to care for themselves.
People like Niña and Janine persevere. They remain determined to rise above their personal adversities to help people with mental health concerns. They are the ones who continue to believe that these people are “human beings entitled to [the] love, care, and understanding that is given to [other] people”.
