As a clinician, you’re probably used to putting your clients first—whether you’re a therapist, counselor, first responder, or psychologist.
You’re there for people when they’re struggling the most, but what happens when you hit a wall?
The truth is, burnout, depression, and even suicidal thoughts are a real threat in the mental health field when compared with the general population.
In fact, a survey found that 62% of psychologists identified as depressed, and 42% have reported experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors. And it’s not just psychologists—clinicians and mental health professionals across the board are at risk.
It’s a tough pill to swallow, but we have to face it.
The work we do is important, but it’s draining. Long hours, emotional fatigue, and the constant pressure to “hold it together” can take a serious toll.
September is Suicide Prevention Month, so let’s have a candid conversation about how burnout in our field can spiral into mental health problems—and how to stop it before it gets that far.
Why Burnout Is a Big Problem in the Mental Health Field
In the mental health field, burnout isn’t just feeling tired at the end of a long day.
It’s the emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that leaves you feeling hollow, detached, and overwhelmed.
It creeps up slowly, but when it hits, it can feel like you’re stuck in a dark place. The statistics back this up—more than half of mental health clinicians report high emotional exhaustion, with nearly 40% saying they feel detached from their work.
So if you’re reading this, and it’s hitting close to home, you’re really not alone. Here are some of the main reasons why clinicians are facing these issues:
1. You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup
When you spend your days absorbing other people’s pain, it can feel like there’s nothing left for you.
Compassion fatigue happens when you’ve given so much emotionally that you’re running on empty. It can make you feel disconnected, like you’re just going through the motions.
And if you’re not careful, it can snowball into something worse—like clinical depression, suicidal ideation, or another mental health diagnosis.
2. Overloaded & Overworked
If you’re juggling too many clients with mental health issues, plus mountains of paperwork and back-to-back appointments, it’s no wonder you’re feeling stretched too thin.
Clinicians are expected to handle a lot, and often with very little downtime. It’s not sustainable, and over time, it chips away at your own mental health.
3. Work-Life Imbalance
In health professions, trying to strike a healthy work-life balance can feel like a joke. When you’re carrying your clients’ struggles, it’s hard to leave work at work.
That constant emotional load can seep into your personal life, making it tough to socialize, recharge, or even get enough sleep. Without a proper balance, burnout is pretty much inevitable.
4. Vicarious Trauma
Hearing about trauma day in and day out or dealing with the suicide deaths of patients is bound to affect you. It’s almost like you’re fighting the same emotional battles your clients are facing—even if it’s not your trauma.
This is what we call vicarious trauma, and it can seriously mess with your emotional stability and mental health.
5. The Weight of Responsibility
You care deeply about the people you help—it’s why you got into this field in the first place.
But when things don’t go as planned, it’s easy to blame yourself, even though you’re doing the best you can. That responsibility can be crushing, and if you’re not careful, it can push you into a dark place.
6. The Stigma of Asking for Help
You tell your clients all the time that it’s more than okay to seek help. But when it comes to your own struggles, it’s easy to think, I should be able to handle this.
There’s often an unspoken stigma among clinicians about admitting that we need help, too. But here’s the thing—mental health is just as important for us as it is for the people we treat.
If you’re struggling, it’s not a sign of failure. It’s a sign that you’re human.
How to Prevent Burnout as a Clinician
The good news is that burnout, depression, and even suicidal thoughts can be prevented. You spend so much time looking out for others—but it takes conscious effort to take care of you. Here’s how to start looking out for yourself.
1. Set Boundaries
Easier said than done, right? But if you don’t set boundaries, you’re headed for burnout. It’s okay to say no when you’re overloaded. Protect your downtime and stick to it.
2. Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care isn’t optional—it’s absolutely vital to protect your mind and body. Whether it’s exercising, getting enough sleep, or simply taking 10 minutes a day to breathe, you need to make time for yourself. Your mental health depends on it.
3. Find Peer Support
Talking to colleagues who get it can make a huge difference. You’re not in this alone. Peer support groups or even just informal check-ins with fellow clinicians can help take some of the weight off your shoulders.
4. Seek Regular Supervision
Supervision isn’t just for newbies. It’s an important tool for all clinicians. Talking through your cases and getting feedback helps keep the emotional toll of the job in check.
5. Take Time Off
Seriously, take a break. Don’t wait until you’re burnt out to go on vacation or take a mental health day. Regular breaks will help you stay energized and focused.
6. Engage in Professional Development
Learning something new can reignite your passion for your work. Whether it’s a new therapy technique or a workshop, professional development can help you feel more accomplished and less stuck.
7. Practice Mindfulness
It might sound cliché, but mindfulness really can help. Taking a few minutes to breathe deeply or meditate can make a big difference in how you handle stress.
8. Keep an Eye on Your Caseload
If you’re taking on too many clients, it’s time to reevaluate. There’s no shame in scaling back if it means protecting your mental health.
9. Consider Therapy for Yourself
Just because you’re a clinician doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a therapist. If you’re feeling the effects of burnout or depression, seeking therapy is one of the best things you can do for yourself—and, by extension, for your clients.
10. Recognize the Toll Your Job Takes
You see tough stuff every day. It’s okay to admit that your work is emotionally heavy. By acknowledging this, you can take steps to protect yourself from the worst of it.
Your Mental Health Matters: Get Support from Region Five Crisis & Counseling Services
If you’re a clinician struggling with burnout, depression, or suicidal thoughts, or if you’ve engaged in a suicide attempt, Region Five is here to support you.
We offer Peer & Family Support services and resources designed specifically for clinicians.
Don’t hesitate to reach out—call our crisis helpline at (757) 656-7755 or visit our website to learn more about our suicide prevention efforts and how we can help.
Your work is important, but so are you.