The 3 Most Difficult Aspects of Support Work in Mental Health

While support work in mental health offers numerous rewards, it also comes with its share of challenges. It’s important to be aware of these challenges and the reasons why you should choose this as a career choice.

1. Emotional Strain: One of the most significant challenges in mental health support is the emotional strain it can place on you. You may witness clients going through severe emotional distress, and it can be challenging to remain emotionally detached. It’s essential to find healthy ways to cope with the emotional toll this work can take.

2. Complex Cases: Clients in mental health support often have complex needs, and their situations can be multifaceted. Navigating these complexities requires a deep understanding of mental health issues, as well as the patience to work through challenging scenarios. It’s not always a linear path to progress, and support workers must be prepared for this.

3. Advocacy: As a support worker, you are often the advocate for your clients. This means you may need to navigate bureaucratic systems, communicate with various agencies, and advocate for your clients’ rights and needs. While it can be rewarding to see positive outcomes, it can also be a complex and time-consuming process.

Despite these challenges, the reason to choose support work in mental health is clear. The impact you can have on individuals’ lives is immeasurable, and the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. It’s a career that allows you to make a profound difference in the world, one person at a time.