Attention mental health providers! In this episode, inspired by questions from American high school students Jayden, Gabriela, and Dana, we dive deep into the crucial topic of burnout in the mental health field. Join me as I address key questions such as the causes of burnout, its long-term effects, and practical strategies to combat it.

In the first part, we explore the root causes of burnout and discuss ways to minimise its impact on mental health professionals. Then, in part two, starting around the 40-minute mark, I share my personal journey of returning to work after a two-year hiatus due to burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma. I reveal the habits that helped me stay healthy during this transition, the challenges I faced, and my plans moving forward.

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice to support your well-being in the demanding field of mental health care. Don't forget to follow us for episode releases and share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your feedback helps us reach those who need it most. Tune in now!

Warning: In this episode, suicide is raised. We strongly encourage those impacted to reach out to local support services. If this is an emergency, please get in touch with your emergency services - Australia, 000. For immediate counselling support (Aus only) Lifeline 13 11 14 (24 hrs/7 days); 13YARN 13 92 76 (24 hrs/7 days).

Bio: Shannon Swales is driven by a deep passion to empower individuals with the essential mental health knowledge and skills needed to flourish. She guides them through a transformative journey from chronically stressed and burnt-out states to a state of overall wellness. Her commitment to this cause is rooted in personal experience, having traversed the challenging terrain of burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma herself. Shannon's personal odyssey has imbued her with a renewed perspective, enabling her to approach her career and the care of others with a more balanced and empathetic mindset. Join Shannon Swales on this inspirational journey as she shares her transformative experiences and valuable insights, fostering a message of resilience, self-care, and the triumph of well-being.

Connect with Shannon Swales via www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/contact, by reading her burnout memoir - Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist's Path Back, exploring her blog - 'Lessons From a Burnt Out Psychologist' - https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/lessons-from-a-burnt-out-psychologist, or social media pages @burnoutpsychologysupport

Share Your Story/Expertise: If you’d like to share your burnout experience or are an expert in the field of burnout and would like to share your wisdom on the pod, please email me at [email protected].

Disclaimer: The views, opinions, tips, etc., expressed in this podcast by my guests or me are not a replacement for personalised therapy. As I have done for myself, I encourage those suffering to seek professional help.

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