Trigger warning: This article discusses suicide and mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, please seek professional help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 to call or text 988 for confidential support.
As a new graduate from school, I was excited to start my career as a therapist. But with that excitement came a lot of self-doubt and questions. Did I deserve to be in this position? Was I knowledgeable enough? What made me good enough to handle the problems of others? These were the questions that plagued me with imposter syndrome.
As a therapist, I deal with some of the most vulnerable individuals - people who are struggling with their mental health and in need of support. The responsibility of keeping these people safe and helping them navigate through their problems can be overwhelming. It's not like being a surgeon, where you save lives through surgery or stitches, but it's equally important because it's about letting people know that they are worthy of living.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide was the 12th leading cause of death in the United States in 2020, claiming the lives of 45,900 people. Shockingly, suicide was the second leading cause of death for people between 10-14 and 25-34 years old. In 2020, there were twice as many suicides as there were homicides in the United States. These statistics are heartbreaking and alarming.
As a therapist, I often feel like an imposter. The pressure of being responsible for someone's well-being can be overwhelming. There are times when I don't know what to say, or I don't know what the right course of action is. But what I do know is that I am there for my clients, and I want to help them in any way I can.
I don't have all the answers, and I don't think I ever will. But what I do have is my own experiences and my own way of approaching life. I know that what works for me might not work for others, but I hope that by sharing my experiences, others might find comfort in knowing that they are not alone.
When I'm feeling unmotivated or struggling to complete a task, I talk myself through it with positive and encouraging words. I remind myself that it's okay to make mistakes and that I am not defined by them. I approach life with curiosity and questioning, and I don't judge myself for my decisions.
Life is ever-changing, and we must adapt to it. We move and flow through decisions, and sometimes we don't have all the answers. But what we can do is be there for each other and support each other through the tough times. And that's what I aim to do as a therapist - to be there for my clients and help them through their struggles, no matter how difficult they may seem.
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