THERE is sometimes a misconception that people in helping professions do not require the same assistance they provide. We hardly consider doctors who require medical care and assistance, or social workers who require social services themselves. It is as if we see these helping professionals only by their titles. We view them as a separate entity—away from their humanity. That view can be very damaging for these professionals and for our society.
You might be wondering, well, what is stopping these helping professionals from accessing the same services that they often provide to others? There are often systemic barriers or social deterrents that prevent the use of services. The issue of confidentiality always surfaces, limited access to resources remains a concern, and there is even a stigma attached to helping professionals seeking access to certain services. It is time we tell a different story. It is time we change this ugly narrative.
Quite often, there are no laws or policies that prevent helping professionals from accessing services. In fact, if there were such laws, I would be appalled, as they constitute a clear violation of their human rights. However, it can be quite difficult to access certain services. In the case of social services, social workers might avoid accessing them out of fear of being judged by their peers. There can also be an issue of how to access them and what to do. Sometimes, the rules for accessing these services as a helping professional are not clear-cut. Supervisors or employers might also argue informally against access to certain services—even if they are available to everyone. That by itself can be a deterrent. In the case of mental health providers, what happens when all of the service providers are your colleagues, and you do not feel comfortable sharing certain details with them?
As an educator, an advocate, a nurse, a psychologist, and any other helping professional, one is often expected to be very resilient. It might even be “out of character” for them not to be. I believe this is unfair and unjust. I want to assure all helping professionals reading this that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, nor should it be used against you. The reality is that many helpers suffer quietly. As someone who is considered a professional helper myself, I can attest to this. It is not usually a conversation starter; however, these issues persist in many fields.
It is time we develop a new approach that is sustainable and healthy for all. I believe helpers receiving the help they need should be considered an ethical priority. The helping professionals themselves should be aware that they need help, but it is also important for institutions to provide pathways that ultimately lead to recovery and care. I wrote in the past about the detrimental effects of heavy caseloads, unrealistic expectations, and toxic workplace conditions. These issues should be addressed simultaneously as well.
I think it’s important we, as helpers, resist the urge to always be a “saviour”. I believe it’s imperative we remember that before we are helpers, we are human beings. No matter how skilled, strong, or experienced you are, there might come a time when you need the same services you offer. The question is, will you be courageous enough to access them?
