 If your child has received a diagnosis of autism, you probably have several questions about what to do next, where to find services to help your child, and what you can do to help your child at home. You may even question the diagnosis and wonder if it could be something else. Does your child avoid eye contact because they’re on the autism spectrum, or are they simply very shy? Are your child’s odd fascinations a symptom of autism, or simply a quirky personality trait? If you find yourself asking these questions, rest assured that you’re not alone. How Often is Autism Misdiagnosed?In 2012, researchers ran a study and tracked 1,400 children who were diagnosed with autism. By the time the children reached 8 years of age, 61 of these children were no longer diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, or ASD. Researchers noticed that most of the children who lost their diagnosis of ASD had been diagnosed before they were only 30 months old. However, almost all of these children who were no longer classified as having ASD were diagnosed with at least one other condition, such as a language delay or ADHD. Dr. Blumberg, who conducted a study on older children with autism states: "Our study suggests over-diagnosis of ASD may occur and may be more common than expected. But our study also shows that some children are said to have lost the diagnosis due to treatment or maturity.” Conditions That May Be Mistaken for AutismProfessor and psychologist Tony Attwood says, ““I would say that between 10% and 25% of children diagnosed with ASD will not be classed as having the disorder as adults.” This can be due to early intervention or treatment, or it could have been a different condition than autism all along. In young children, potential signs of ASD may overlap with symptoms of other conditions and lead to misdiagnosis. Some conditions can include:
How to Approach a New DiagnosisDr. Epstein, a neuropsychologist and specialist in diagnosing ASD, believes that doctors need to have the full picture of the child’s behaviors and symptoms before making a diagnosis. She thinks the process should be a comprehensive assessment including:
What to Do After Receiving a DiagnosisIf your child is found to have ASD, ask your child’s doctor about early intervention programs. These programs will help your child receive the help they need, and are usually highly successful in teaching children useful skills such as communicating with others, finding coping skills, and managing their behaviors. For more guidance on ASD-related issues, feel free to reach out to Dr. Syras Derksen.
By: Dr. Syras Derksen Registered Psychologist
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 Secondary school is a whirlwind of changes for all teenagers, but it can be especially overwhelming for those with autism. Getting used to a new environment, different teachers, and all kinds of social rules can cause significant anxiety for teenagers with autism, and you may be worried about how your own child will respond to the stress. To help your teen thrive academically and socially, it’s important to allow them to have more freedom, help them ease into the new routines, and make sure they get the resources they need. Autism During Teenage YearsChantal Sicile-Kira, author of the book Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum, is also a public speaker dedicated to helping parents raise and understand their children with autism. She reports that many parents tell her that their child’s behavior seems to be getting worse as they reach their teenage years, but Sicile-Kira thinks this is simply a misunderstanding. "The teens are not getting more noncompliant because their autism is getting worse. It's because they're teenagers," she states. Just like every other teenager, your teen will crave independence. They may become more moody due to hormonal changes, and they may not want to talk or listen to you as often. However, unlike their peers, teenagers with autism usually don’t have the same outlets to express their teenage woes. Their moodiness may manifest in different behaviors, such as frequent mood swings or becoming non-communicative at times. It’s crucial for parents to remember that those on the autism spectrum tend to have trouble identifying and expressing their feelings, and puberty may cause unfamiliar emotions. During hormonal and physical changes, your teen might not understand why they feel upset or sad. They may also be confused as to why they need to make changes in their routine, so try to clearly explain the reasons to them. Being patient, direct, and encouraging can help your teen get off to a great start. Challenges of Secondary SchoolAs your teen enters secondary school, they will likely face more challenges than their peers. Most people have common knowledge about how to navigate social situations and know what’s OK to discuss and what should remain private. Teens with autism may have more trouble fitting in because they don’t necessarily understand the social rules that seem like “common sense” to their peers. Along with communicating, teenagers with autism might face other challenges including:
What You Can Do to HelpBeginning a new routine can be a turbulent and frustrating time for your teen. To help them transition into secondary school and make sure they continue receiving support, it’s recommended to create a transition plan. Depending on your child’s wants and needs, the plan may be more detailed, but the basic aspects of a plan include:
Secondary school comes with many challenges, but with the right support, patience, and understanding, your teen will excel and thrive. For more guidance, reach out to Dr. Syras Derksen. By: Dr. Syras Derksen Registered Psychologist  According to this study, about 90% of parents who have a child with autism noticed symptoms by the time their child reached 2 years of age. Autism spectrum disorder can cause developmental delays or other noticeable symptoms in infants and toddlers, but some children with autism may develop normally and show no observable signs of the disorder. However, because autism is on a spectrum, the severity of symptoms varies and affects every individual differently. A significant number of children with autism may not exhibit any common signs until they begin school. One parent of a child with autism mentioned in an article that, “My child is developing behavioral problems. That’s because he can’t communicate well at school.” School can cause numerous difficulties for children on the autism spectrum due to the changes that occur in their environment and routines. The stress of school may increase the severity of symptoms, influencing how a child interacts with others, learns, or behaves. Signs of Autism in Grade School StudentsSigns of autism may become noticeable when a child begins school because they tend to have difficulty with different aspects of socializing with others. A child with autism may have difficulty taking turns in conversations, reading the reactions of others, or having conversations about what others want to talk about. Other possible effects of autism in children include:
Signs of Autism in TeenagersIt can sometimes be difficult to notice autism in children if they appear to be doing well in school and don’t seem to have any symptoms that are typical of those on the autism spectrum. However, the onset of puberty, high school, and increased expectations of their achievements may cause the signs of autism to become more apparent. Some common signs of autism in teens include:
Autism in FemalesMany people diagnosed with autism may also develop a mental illness, but undiagnosed autism may lead someone to develop mental health issues as well. Psychiatrist Ian McClure has reported that females especially are developing mental health difficulties because they haven’t yet been diagnosed with autism. Girls are most commonly underdiagnosed because the diagnostic criteria for autism is more typical for boys’ behavior and symptoms, while girls may deal with their symptoms differently. Teenage girls are usually better at studying other people’s behavior and copying them to mask their symptoms, and quieter girls are usually thought of simply being shy rather than unfocused or disinterested. If they show signs that are more typical of autism, such as severe anxiety when their routine is changed, they may be misdiagnosed with a mental illness instead. One woman wasn’t diagnosed with autism until she was 28 years old, but she had been misdiagnosed with several mental illnesses including bipolar depression and borderline personality disorder. She said that learning she had autism changed her life, and it’s much easier to manage her symptoms now that she finally has an accurate diagnosis. Advice for ParentsIf you think your child may be on the autism spectrum or dealing with a mental illness, it’s important to talk to a child psychologist who does autism assessments and your child’s doctor. The earlier a diagnosis is reached, the sooner your child can learn how to manage their symptoms, succeed in school, and communicate with others.
If your child or teen is found to have autism, there are some ways you can help them adjust to school and other life changes. Try to go with your child to school about a week before classes begin. Show them where their classroom and bathroom is located, and walk around the school with them so they can be better prepared for the first day of school. Getting involved in your child’s school, such as joining the PTA, can help you get to know your child’s teacher and meet other parents who may also have children with autism. Outside of school, therapy might be helpful if your child or teen is dealing with high levels of stress or anxiety, behavioral issues, or seems overwhelmed. A therapist can help them work through their emotions, find healthy coping mechanisms for stress, and provide an outlet for your child’s frustrations. Scheduling an appointment at Oakville Wellness Center can be simply done online, or you can call for more information. By: Dr. Syras Derksen Registered Psychologist  Over the past decade, multiple awareness groups and campaigns have dramatically increased the public’s general knowledge about autism spectrum disorder. There have been changes made to the diagnostic criteria to more accurately identify the signs of autism. As a result, more children are being diagnosed with autism today compared to ten years ago. While there has been some public fear and panic about an “autism epidemic,” autism diagnoses are on the rise simply because autism awareness has made it easier for people to recognize early signs. So, What is Autism?Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, is a type of genetic condition that usually causes individuals to have repetitive behaviors and difficulty communicating and interacting with others. The autism spectrum covers a broad range of severity and symptoms, and not all people with autism will have significant impairments. Some people with autism may only have mild symptoms, whereas others may have severe difficulty with communicating, learning, and processing stimuli. In some cases, signs of autism may be recognizable in infancy, and medical professionals can accurately diagnose autism in children at just 2 years of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends scheduling both regular developmental screenings throughout childhood, as well as specific autism screenings when your child is 9, 18, and 30 months old. Signs of Autism in InfantsAutism can cause some developmental delays in infants, so it Is important for parents to notice if their baby isn’t reaching certain milestones. For example, it is common for 12-month-old babies to laugh, make different facial expressions, and babble. It can be a cause for concern if your child turns a year old and hasn’t been displaying any of these behaviors. Recognizing signs of autism in infants doesn’t involve actively looking for symptoms, but rather noticing a lack of normal behaviors such as:
Signs of Autism in ToddlersAutism can cause a number of social, behavioral, and communication differences by the time your child reaches 3 years of age. Around this time, signs of autism can become more apparent when your child is around other kids their age, as they may not respond to other children at all, or they might have trouble noticing facial expressions. Social and communication differences in children with autism can include:
Children with autism may have some noticeable behaviors by the time they are toddlers. These behaviors tend to be repetitive or obsessive, which can be difficult for parents to understand. Physical manifestations of autism, especially in young children, are typically ways for them to manage anxiety, block out unliked stimuli, or simply to pass the time. Some examples of these behaviors may include:
What to Do If You’re ConcernedIf you think your infant or child may be on the autism spectrum, you should schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician for an autism screening as soon as possible. When it comes to your child’s health, you shouldn’t take the advice to just “wait and see” if the signs improve or disappear. Visiting your child’s doctor will allow them to give their professional diagnosis, as well as recommend early intervention programs for your child.
Early intervention has been extremely successful for children by helping them develop social skills and learn how to manage challenging symptoms. If you believe your child needs more assistance with communication, Oakville Wellness Center offers other resources, as well as qualified speech-language pathologists who can help your child become more comfortable with social interactions. It is normal to feel worried about your young child and what their future holds, but it should be reassuring to know that autism is becoming widely understood and accepted across the country. People with autism today have more opportunities to speak out about their experiences, find employment, and have better support in their education. With early intervention and support from you, your child should expect a bright future. By: Dr. Syras Derksen Registered Psychologist  Awareness and understanding of autism have been steadily improving over the past several years. Groups such as the Organization for Autism Research coordinate events to educate people of all ages about autism and use donations to continue research about autism. This organization also offers resources such as scholarships and employment opportunities for adults with autism and gives self-advocates a platform to speak about their experiences. Although organizations like these do a great job of educating people about autism, there is still a lot of work to be done. Research must continue before we can fully understand autism, but even with the information already available, many people still have misconceptions and questions about it. 1. What is Autism Anyway?The Centers for Disease Control refers to autism, or autism spectrum disorder, as “a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.” The autism spectrum includes a wide range of various symptoms, but people on the autism spectrum typically tend to think, communicate, learn, and behave differently than others. Autism was first recognized in 1943 by Dr. Leo Kanner when he reported on eleven children who all showed similar symptoms of being uninterested in people, but rather highly interested in their environment. There is no single known cause for autism, but research done by various scientists today have proven that it’s a genetically based condition. 2. Symptoms of Autism: They VaryPeople need to understand that autism is on a spectrum, and not every person with autism will have the same symptoms. People with mild autism, which used to be referred to as Asperger’s syndrome, may go undiagnosed for years, whereas others on the autism spectrum may be nonverbal or have significant cognitive impairment. While these are some common signs, this is by no means a comprehensive list or representative of everyone on the spectrum. Common Symptoms in Infants and Young Children
Common Symptoms in Adolescents and Teenagers
3. Mental Illness Goes Hand-in-Hand with Autism.It’s fairly common that those who fall somewhere on the autism spectrum often deal with other challenges or mental illness. Symptoms of autism such as feeling uncomfortable in new places or interacting with others may cause anxiety disorders. Sometimes when people with autism notice how they’re different from others around them and feel unable to communicate, they can feel isolated and depressed. Along with anxiety and depression, other challenges people with autism might encounter include eating disorders, aggressive behavior, insomnia, or other difficulties with sleeping. 4. Many Myths Still Surround Autism.While the general public knows more about autism than they did ten years ago, there are still misconceptions that people believe. A few myths about autism include:
5. Parental Support is Just As Important As Professional Support.Noticing early signs of autism is extremely beneficial for both you and your child. If you recognize any symptoms of autistic behavior in your infant or toddler, it’s recommended to seek a professional diagnosis. Children can be diagnosed accurately at just 18 months of age, and this early intervention can be the key in helping children develop communication skills and manage stressors.
However, while professional guidance is important, you must never underestimate the importance of supporting your child and helping him to better understand his symptoms. The most important thing for parents to remember is to be open-minded to how their child communicates. Listen to phrases your child may repeat, or focus on nonverbal cues, and then communicate in their preferred way. This can lessen confusion and misunderstanding, and can bring you and your child closer together. If your child has been diagnosed with autism and you’re unsure of where to turn, Oakville Wellness Center has several resources available. If your child has delayed speech or trouble communicating, it can be helpful to contact a speech-language pathologist. If your child is experiencing a major life change, such as entering school, or you fear they might be struggling with an underlying mental illness, there are resources to help your child. By: Dr. Syras Derksen Registered Psychologist  I see many couples and individuals who are in struggling relationships and sometime they have difficulty ending it. The challenge of ending a dating relationship is more common and devastating than I would have ever guessed prior to beginning my career as a psychologist. I have become accustomed to working with people who have a goal of ending a relationship, but for whatever reason continue to be unable. This is potentially why we have seen a recent trend in "ghosting". For those who may not be aware, ghosting is the practice of ending all contact with someone with no warning and then ignoring any further requests for clarification on why contact has been completely cut. This practice has likely become more common because it is easier to do this when people are dating online in larger communities. Everyone with whom I have talked about this practice, even people who serially ghost their dating partners, agree that it is a horrible practice. Still it persists. I believe the challenges people have around ending relationships is the primary reasons for this. LEARN TO HURT YOUR PARTNERAlthough it is challenging to watch suffering, it is an important skill in any relationship. It should be obvious that the goal of any relationship is to bring increased joy, pleasure, stability etc. Invariably, however, every relationship will require difficult communication. When there is something difficult to share, it is important to be able to give your partner the truth, even when it hurts. If you can't give your partner hard truths, it will lead to hiding, lying, and breaks in trust. Often, when couples come in with broken trust, I am working to help one partner cope with watching their partner suffer as they hear the difficult truth. Once a couple has had a breach in trust because of hiding the truth, the best way to help a couple regain trust is having the untrusted partner share challenging truth. Sometimes these truths are important, and sometimes it is just important to share something difficult to prove that they can. When they do share the difficult truth, their partner is often initially hurt, but then begins to believe that their partner is learning how to emotionally cope with the challenges inherent in being honest. I DON'T WANT TO HURT YOUDespite all logic, it seems that people continue in relationships long-term because they don't want to face the short-term pain associated with ending their relationship. Researchers very recently found that people are staying in relationships because they don't want to hurt their partner (Joel, S., Impett, E. A., Spielmann, S. S., & MacDonald, G., 2018). Although this finding may seem startling to some outside of the relationship counselling field, it is all too common. An extreme example of this type of difficulty comes when one partner threatens some type of self-harm if the relationship is ended. Even in this type of extreme action, it is surprising how often it is successful in prolonging the relationship. From a distance this type of statement would suggest that there is a significant amount of unhealthy dynamics in the relationship and that the relationship should be seriously examined. However, in some cases, instead of making it more likely to end, it actually brings the relationship back from the brink so it can hobble forward. From BEGINNING TO END, IT IS IMPORTANT TO COPE WITH YOUR PARTNER'S PAINWhether you are in your relationship and need to share something hard, have to repair a relationship after breaking trust, or if you have to break off a relationship, learning to cope with your partner's pain is key. Even though it will hurt for a while, it is better to manage the reality of your situation rather than leave it until later and destroy trust or stay in an unhealthy or unwanted relationship. Learning to cope with suffering can be hard for some, but taking small steps towards learning to assert yourself can help.
Dr. Syras Derksen Reference: Joel, S., Impett, E. A., Spielmann, S. S., & MacDonald, G. (2018). How interdependent are stay/leave decisions? On staying in the relationship for the sake of the romantic partner. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 115(5), 805-824.  In the article 8 Habits of Actively Vulnerable People, author Lindsay Holmes, says that unlike vulnerability “as a result of circumstances out of one’s control,” emotional vulnerability “is an exercise in openness which can be truly empowering.” Emotional vulnerability can help you feel more satisfied with life, it can improve and deepen relationships, and it can even further your career. Why then, do many people find it challenging to make themselves emotionally vulnerable? Quite simply, it’s fear of rejection. Most of us are acutely aware that, once a thought or emotion is put forth, it’s impossible to retract. And revealing our deepest feelings in such a way can be quite intimidating. Yet, emotional vulnerability offers tremendous benefits, both personally and interpersonally. Let’s take a look at some of the most important reasons why you should work towards allowing yourself to be emotionally vulnerable more often. Why You Should Share More With OthersTo clarify, sharing thoughts and feelings does not mean you must “come clean” to everyone. Emotional vulnerability should occur first and foremost on an intimate and familiar level. Think about who your closest to--do you share all your thoughts and concerns to your spouse, for instance? If not, then why? Sometimes we struggle with letting guards down in our closest relationships. Live Bold and Bloom (a lifestyle publication), states, “When you are able to show yourself fully to another person, you experience the joy of being fully yourself”. Additionally, “Vulnerability fosters trust,” then article goes on, “As you reveal yourself to another person, and they treat you with respect, love, and dignity, your trust in that person expands.” If you end up sharing sensitive information with your significant other and he or she judges or doesn’t listen, it is probably a sign that you need to work to improve your relationship, as there may be a sense of disconnect or mistrust hindering true closeness. Build Relationships through Emotional VulnerabilityThose who live authentically and openly, positively impact others. Sharing your true self with others can make you more appealing and interesting; Plus, people will feel more comfortable around you, and may share their own concerns. Holding on to anxiety, anger or guilt and/or simple ideas and concerns, due to fear of rejection or confrontation, only hurts us in the end. Author, Mark Mason, says, “Vulnerability is the path of true human connection and becoming a truly attractive person”. Psychologist Robert Glover also states, “Humans are attracted to each other’s rough edges.” Glover speaks the truth; no one can truly enjoy perfection and life without hurts and scars, because it doesn’t exist, so embrace life, and embrace yourself. Allow yourself to act and speak naturally and honestly. A recent piece of research in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people view themselves and others differently when they are vulnerable. Specifically, they found that people imagined themselves being vulnerable they saw it more negatively than when they imagined someone else being vulnerable. This is likely one of the reasons why people find it so difficult to be vulnerable, but respond so favourably when others are vulnerable. Identify Your Own Avoidance TacticsYou must identify your avoidance tactics. Many people try to ignore or avoid their feelings in order to prevent shame, guilt and pain from surfacing. However, burying problems only creates more mental and physical problems. Choose to share feelings with a close friend, family member or a professional so that you can make sense of your troubled thoughts. If you feel a certain way about a friend, family member or another person, you should also not hold it inside. Though you may not want to hurt the person, it’s doing more harm by failing to address the issue and bring forth possible solutions. Get Comfortable With the UncomfortableMost successes in life come from taking risks. Paul Coleman, a psychologist in Wappingers Falls, New York, and author of Finding Peace When Your Heart Is in Pieces, says, ““Vulnerability is ultimately a willingness to take a risk” and “playing it safe will never be fulfilling”. Again, this doesn’t mean you should talk to an audience about your most personal thoughts and feelings; instead, begin with small steps. If you have stirred up emotions about your boyfriend or girlfriend, let them know. (In fact, the same applies for family, friends, roommates, coworkers, etc.) You can choose emotional vulnerability in two situations: when you simply want to be heard, and when you need to address and communicate an issue. Regardless of the scenario, the old saying “The truth will set you free,” usually turns out to be incredibly accurate. In Conclusion: Be Kind To YourselfMistakes happen--if you’re not making mistakes, you’re not living! If you share with a person that responds negatively, let them go and move on--know your value and worth. Confine in friends that feel okay with sharing their own emotions, and take turns listening to one another. By sharing the same level of issues and personal feelings, you will instantly feel more connected and in tune with reality. As PsychologyToday points out, “We all need to realize that a sense of common humanity is the recognition that everyone makes mistakes and no one is without their weaknesses”. We must be kind to ourselves like we would with others who need help, love and understanding. Ultimately, it comes down to choosing to live by fear or love--yes, we need both at times, but which one outweighs the other in your own life? By progressing towards love and compassion, you’ll be more willing to be emotionally vulnerable; at large, this creates deeper, and more meaningful human connection. For more information on how to cope with specific psychological conditions, visit Dr. Syras Derksen. By: Dr. Syras Derksen
Registered Psychologist Reference Bruk, A., Scholl, S. G., & Bless, H. (2018). Beautiful mess effect: Self–other differences in evaluation of showing vulnerability. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 115(2), 192-205.  While providing support for friends and loved ones dealing with traumatic experiences or mental illnesses is one of the most important ways that you can help them cope with difficult situations and distress, it can take a toll on your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Only 60% of people with mental health issues receive mental health care, so family members and caregivers often provide the most support for these individuals. Mental health issues, trauma, addiction, and other struggles impact more people than just the person who is dealing with these issues. They influence friends, family, colleagues, and other people in their community. Helping others cope with their mental health problems and other issues can be incredibly stressful, and if not properly managed, this stress can lead to the “helper” developing problems of his own. It is vital for caregivers, friends, and family members who are helping others through situations and issues that cause distress to practice self-care and healthy stress management. While self-care looks different for everyone, one of the best ways that anyone can make sure they are taking care of themselves when they are helping others is to visit a mental health professional. Many people wrestle with the idea of seeking help or taking time for themselves when they are helping their friends and family members because they believe that the other individual has a more immediate or severe need. Often times, these helpers will say they will get help managing their stress after they get their loved one the help they need first. While this idea is honorable, it is not effective, and it can actually be detrimental for both the helper and the person being helped. If you have ever flown on an airplane, you are familiar with the safety demonstrations that encourage you to put your own oxygen mask on first before helping others in case of emergency. This instruction is stated because if someone loses consciousness trying to assist someone else, then neither person will be safe. This same idea applies to those people who try to provide care and support for their partner, friend, or family member without taking care of themselves first. If you are suffering yourself, then you will not be able to give adequate assistance to your loved one, which means that you will both struggle. When you are helping someone who is dealing with a severe problem, practice self-awareness and set aside time to seek help for yourself if you are exhibiting signs of distress. Signs A Helper Might be in DistressThere are several signs that might indicate that a helper is in distress. Here are some of the most common indicators: Anxiety If you notice that you are experiencing increased levels of anxiety, your caregiving situation might be causing you distress. Symptoms of anxiety include constant or overwhelming fear and worry, sleep issues, shortness of breath, and panic. Severe anxiety can get in the way of your daily life and prevent you from helping others effectively, so it is important for you to look for these symptoms and get help if needed. Irritability and Anger If you find yourself more susceptible to anger, outbursts or general irritation, you may be struggling to manage high levels of stress and anxiety. Keep track of your mood and make note of any drastic changes regarding anger or irritation. Fixating on the Problem If supporting your loved one through a challenging time begins to preoccupy all of your thoughts, it is time for you to step back and consider seeking some help. Do not allow yourself to fixate on the situation or the problem your loved one is facing. If you start to focus on their problem instead of helping them as a person, you might be feeling distress. Address these concerns before you become resentful or unable to provide further support. Putting Others Needs Before Your Own While being selfless is an honorable trait, the needs of others should not come before your own wellbeing. If the time and energy you spend caring for someone is negatively influencing your mental, physical, or emotional health, you need to take a break so that you can take care of yourself. Find a therapist or support group that will help you cope with this stressful period in your life so that you can be better equipped to help others around you. For more information on how to cope with specific psychological conditions, visit Dr. Syras Derksen.
 As with any other profession, therapists are certainly at risk for experiencing burnout. If you notice your focus and in sessions is flagging, you may be feeling this phenomenon. There are numerous other signs, reasons, and remedies for therapist burnout and it’s much more common than you might think. This 2016 study found that workplace burnout was at an all-time high, with large workload and little pay as the leading contributing factors. The reason for your own burnout may not be very straightforward. After all, shouldn’t therapists have an infinite supply of motivation and self-care techniques to draw from? In fact, this assumption can be precisely what causes so many therapists to feel so enervated. The truth is that you’re not above any of your clients or the rest of the world in needing help sometimes. By recognizing the factors that might be causing burnout, it will be much easier to decide what you can and should do about it. Am I Burning Out?When you put out more than you get in return, a process of imbalance begins. Allowing this imbalance to escalate over time can leave you feeling like all the effort isn’t worth it anymore. You may be overworking yourself by thinking about clients 24/7 or regularly taking sessions into overtime to compensate for your own stress. The following are some common stress-inducing symptoms that might cause or indicate a burnout. Taking Work Home With YouThe practice of mental health is unique in that it involves one-on-one consultations about deeply personal issues. Many times, it’s impossible to separate our compassion for a client with our personal lives. If you find that you have trouble winding down while away from work, you may be clinging on to a problem that you’re dealing with as a therapist. Outside of work, you’re just a person. Learning to let go while you’re not working can ease the unnecessary stress that stems from these issues. Losing Your EdgeThe field of mental health is brimming with a constant supply of new studies that keep us on the cutting edge of psychological therapy. A lack of interest in exploring new psychology findings may indicate a withdrawal from your work. This is especially true if you also tend to zone out more during sessions and find it harder to empathize. Repeating YourselfThe field of mental health is brimming with a constant supply of new studies that keep us on the cutting edge of psychological therapy. A lack of interest in exploring new psychology findings may indicate a withdrawal from your work. This is especially true if you also tend to zone out more during sessions and find it harder to empathize. Repeating YourselfWhile you may encounter similar problems across your clientele, repeating yourself word for word in several situations is a sign of stagnation. Many people might share the same problem, but the way you work it out with them should be strictly personal. Otherwise, they could just read a self-help book instead of seeing a therapist. No technique is one-size-fits-all, so think again before staying the same thing over and over. Practicing Self-careTherapists are natural-born helpers. We love to listen to other people’s stories and work through their struggles with them. As such, the personality type of a therapist is often willing to go above and beyond the call of duty for someone else. It’s easy to forget that this noble cause can also be our own downfall when we neglect to take care of ourselves first. After all, how can we possibly help someone else when our own life is in turmoil? Here are some steps to take when trying to get yourself back on track to a healthier life. Be a ClientThere is no shame in seeking help as a therapist, no matter how experienced you are in the field. In fact, shunning the idea of receiving therapy yourself negates the basic philosophy that you’re an expert in; everyone has their own battles in life. Expressing your concern to someone else can be incredibly validating and helpful for your burnout symptoms. Get AwayGo on a vacation, take a weekend trip, hang out with loved ones, just do anything to give yourself time to rest. Working too much is one of the leading causes of overall stress in our lives. After too many hours spent delving into work-related issues, a numbing effect occurs that makes it hard to maintain quality as a therapist. Finding a time to get away can decrease or eliminate the symptoms of desensitization at the workplace, which can be very harmful in our line of work. Consider Your OptionsIf you find it difficult to remove yourself from your work while away after trying everything, your current situation may not be the best thing for you. Even if you can never imagine yourself working in any other profession, simply considering how life would be if you left can help you prioritize and reframe your work-life balance. Would you feel useless, or relieved? You answers to these types of questions can help guide you on your best path. For more information on how to cope with specific psychological conditions, visit Dr. Syras Derksen.
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Dr. Syras DerksenPhone: (204) 201-0751
Fax: (204) 272-9855 200-701 Pembina Hwy Winnipeg, MB R3M 2L7 |