Attention mental health providers! In this episode, inspired by questions from American high school students Jayden, Gabriela, and Dana, we dive deep into the crucial topic of burnout in the mental health field. Join me as I address key questions such as the causes of burnout, its long-term effects, and practical strategies to combat it. In the first part, we explore the root causes of burnout and discuss ways to minimise its impact on mental health professionals. Then, in part two, starting around the 40-minute mark, I share my personal journey of returning to work after a two-year hiatus du ..read more

In this episode, I had the privilege of engaging in a thought-provoking conversation with Shannon Bowman, the driving force behind Create Balance Psychotherapy and Counselling (see more about Shannon below). Our in-depth discussion centred around a crucial subject - worker well-being within the organisational context. We explored common pitfalls that workplaces often stumble upon, inadvertently contributing to poor well-being outcomes for workers. Drawing from Shannon's extensive experience, we examined real-life examples of organisations' successes and triumphs, shedding light on effective st ..read more

In Episode 29 of When Burnout Becomes Reality Podcast, I sit down with Marissa McKool from McKool Coaching. A public health worker from the US who experienced her own burnout prior to the pandemic and, upon recovery, made it her life's ambition to help women in the public health sector prevent, recover from, and grow from burnout. I interviewed Marissa on a critical topic that is special to her: REST. Marissa clarifies for the listener what exactly REST is, and it isn't what you think. She shares with us the common challenges people face trying to incorporate REST into their schedules and pra ..read more

Episode 28 brings you the wisdom of certified mindset and well-being coach Ange. Ange introduces us to five key steps to go from busy to balanced in this busy culture we find ourselves living in. A culture that is contributing to our unhappiness and conditions such as burnout. Our discussion on this topic flows from our very own personal journeys of imbalance to balance, those of the clients we work with and these key steps that Ange provides in this episode to help us walk from busy to balanced. Tune in to discover how you can (in Ange's words) live a FULL (not BUSY) life that is balanced and ..read more

Ep 26 allows the listener to learn from Clinical Psychologist Rebecca Black about two important areas associated with burnout: chronic illness - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Fibromyalgia, & Unrelenting Standards Schema. Schemas are mental structures of preconceived ideas, a framework representing aspects of the world, or a system of organising & perceiving new information. Rebecca blends her lived experience in both areas with her experience as a schema therapist working with people with chronic illnesses & chronically stressed states such as burnout. She shares her knowledge &am ..read more

About Episode Episode 25, Part 2 brings you the next chapter of April's work and burnout lived experience. In this second half, she moves into the education field again, but this time early education to help bring a balance to her life now that she is a mother. This time, she faces systematic issues such as role ambiguity/conflict, poor leadership and management, under-resourcing, and lack of training. If you haven't caught the first half of her story, it's worth checking out before delving into this chapter. April describes herself as a go-getter and a forever learner, and these aspects of he ..read more

About Episode Episode 25, Part 1 brings you the work and burnout lived experience of April Lauer. A story that spans over 20 years with the ebbs and flows of burnout as she comes up against several systemic issues that clash with her values, interests and needs. From a primary school teacher at the tender age of 21, navigating the world as a young adult, to taking a leap of faith into a new career, leaving teaching behind and experiencing both government and private sector positions that have given her wisdom in what works and doesn't work for her. Listen in to see what these commonly found sy ..read more

A Different Kind of Gap Year Podcast Episode 2 brings you my brave friend, ex-colleague and fellow helping professional, Tricia Whipple’s story of her mental health and career.Tricia is my very first DKGY podcast so I am super excited to bring her story to life. Tricia has done such an amazing job in recounting her mental health and career story in this episode. It is a long episode (unedited). I don’t believe in editing someone’s story, all of it is important and tells us something about that person. I hope that Tricia’s story enriches you or your loved ones in some meaningful way.Please feel ..read more

I am so excited to welcome you to the very first podcast episode of A Different Kind of Gap Year where I will be talking candidly with you about my mental health breakdown brought about by my work as a Clinical Psychologist. Check out my profile for more information on my podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information ..read more

About Episode Episode 24 brings you another brave soul's story of burnout. Edwina's experience will be of particular benefit to authors, creators, editors, teachers, mothers of teenagers, the neurodiverse, the grievers, women, and those who experience relationship struggles or break-ups during burnout. It is amazing how much wisdom can be shared in a conversation that lasts just under an hour. I love what I do. I get to witness someone's vulnerability and how it paved the way for their growth. I get to learn vicariously from them, and I hope you do too. Thanks, Edwina, for your generosity. Ab ..read more