Can managing others MH health make your own worse?

[Sandy1710]

I’ve suffered anxiety and depression and being a manager means people are sharing those issues with me, I currently have someone going through their adoption files who is self harming, someone who was sexually abused as a child and is now in a violent relationship and someone who is old and by themeseves who’s dog is very ill (the dog is like a kid to her). They all bring their problems to me and I don’t know if it is effecting me because my depression is absolutely through the roof!!!

[Starlight_ftm]

Hey yes it can, I’m a mental health practitioner and had to take some time off work because of my own mental health. I always describe to others and myself that we have a tank filled with water and everytime we help someone, some water comes out of our tank, if we never have it refilled we sooner or later end up with an empty tank to work from. I’m always the one people come to with issues etc and it’s great to be lovely and supportive but also have to be aware of your own mental health x

[HearYou]

Yes, even psychiatrists have psychiatrists and use other methods to keep their lives balanced, and from getting too emotionally involved with patients problems. Human resource people do the same, as well as clergy,

Perhaps you need to step back and determine, although you are a manager, you do not need to be involved with all the "sharing" you mentioned. Being a manager is one thing, but being a mental health counselor is another. A thought may be for you to refer your troubled staff to human resources for any mental health counseling benefits available for them.

Charity begins at home, and that includes taking care of yourself, or you won't be in any shape to help anyone. My best wishes that you are able to balance and distinguish yourself, guilt-free, from being someone's boss rather than being their emotional sounding board.

You write like a manager who actually cares about the employees; they are fortunate to have you but now its' time to get your roles balanced so you can continue as a successful manager for them. xx