Working in Mental Health Is Not An Easy Feat
Recently, I quit my role as a support worker for several reasons:
Lack of organisation within management.
Long hours, limited time for actual breaks.
The job was not as advertised.
Underpaid for the amount of work that I had to do.
But I may go into the ins and outs in another post.
Due to the reasons listed, I decided it was in my best interest to leave for my mental health and to establish a work/life balance because I didn’t have one.
I wasn’t able to plan my life around work. All I did was work, I didn’t have time to spend with my loved ones, and it took a toll on me every day.
I was not planning to leave as I recently started working as a support worker in June of this year. I aimed to stay there and work up in the company, but I had to do what was in my best interest, so I did!
I am beyond blessed to now be a Mental Health Personal Independence Co-Ordinator. I was able to secure the position before quitting my previous job.
This position will allow me to have a work balance, work in the mental health world and work within my local community!
Manifestation is real; I have attracted this role, and I am grateful for this opportunity.
Now I am going to tell you guys about how my first week went!
Monday
Today was super chill. I started the day at the office and got some equipment- I got my work phone. I know this may be minor to some, but I feel super important now that I have my email, work phone, and laptop is on its way. It’s the little things for me!
I then did a bit of training and met the other girls on my team. I told them to spill the tea, which they did and which I appreciate. I’d rather get a complete understanding as to what I am getting into beforehand. Transparency is key.
As my laptop had not arrived as yet, I was chilling for most of the day, talking to other employees and asking questions that came into mind.
Not too bad for a Monday.
Tuesday
I met my manager! I was nervous, but it went well. She asked about my experience thus far, and she sounded impressed, which is good!
I then got my work laptop which was fantastic, and then I started completing some online training which was pretty cool.
Wednesday
Halfway through the week, we are almost there.
Today, my colleagues and I had training around grief and loss. I was nervous because of the topic matter, which kind of hit home. But it went well, and I was able to hold it together, thankfully.
The remainder of the day was pretty chill. I continued to complete training, and yeah, that summed up my Wednesday.
Thursday
This was a super laid-back day; I didn’t hear from my manager all day, which is a good thing, perhaps. My colleagues tell me to enjoy this time for now as the workload will be immense.
Everyone seems so excited that I have joined the team as it will relieve some pressure from everyone else.
It scares me a little bit, to be honest.
Oh, and almost a week since I have started, I now received my contract.
Oh, the joys of a contract.
I read every word, yes I did.
As I didn’t have a lot of work to do, I made sure to ask around and help my colleagues with their tasks.
I like to stay busy, you know.
Friday
Oh, the weekend is almost upon us.
Today was world mental health day, so we had events the whole day. It was great to see people interact with the broader community.
I also had the opportunity to attend my first team meeting. It went on for two-plus hours. It was a lot to take in.
My colleagues had a lot to say, and I was there taking it all in.
I was like, wow. Interesting.
I am still open to learning as much as I can as this is a role that I believe can help me in my career, so I am in it to win it.
My first week flew by, and I am grateful for the opportunity to grow and learn in this role.
Take Away
Working in Mental Health has its ups and downs; you are dealing with people’s emotional wellbeing, which can be taxing but so rewarding, and that is why I am doing what I am doing.
Thank you for reading.
Stay safe and take care.
