Studying Counselling while managing my own mental illnesses

[BusinessLady]

Hi, 

I have recently enrolled in a Diploma of Counselling, mainly for personal interest and self-development at this stage.

In the past I have experienced a nervous breakdown as a young adult and was eventually diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder and Generalised Anxiety Disorder. It took a long time for my condition to improve, but every year I did notice improvements. I feel that my schizoaffective disorder has gotten better with age (I'm in my mid-thirties now), but my anxiety remains chronic. 

I feel like I would like to specialise in supporting people with chronic or severe mental illnesses possibly in the area of the disability employment sector. I do feel like I could encourage others not to lose hope.

The problem is I'm not where I want to be in my own therapy journey yet and have had trouble finding a psychologist or counsellor for myself. I also feel like I am holding myself back with some of my psychological issues. For example, for a long time I believed that I wasn't capable of study because of what a social worker in the mental health system had said. I find that my studying has slowed down a little, because I find it hard to believe I am capable.

I would love to hear from others who have studied mental health/psychology/counselling and especially those who have done so while having lived experience. Is it possible to study counselling/mental health while still learning about yourself and having to work through your own issues in therapy at the same time?    

[Croix]

Dear BusinessLady~

I'd like to welcome you here to the Forum. I can see some similarities between us as I was invalided out of my occupation wiht PTSD, depression and anxiety, and was told I'd never work again. So I guess I can relate to the very negative effect some ill-advised social worker might have by airing their opinions.

After sitting at home for far too long I took up study, like you for my own purposes, and it was an excellent idea. I gained structure in my life, purpose, a goal and interaction wiht others rather than isolation. Since then I've formally studied many areas of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.

All this time I have still being undergoing medical assistance, though nowadays I function well and lead a satisfying and productive life.

I will say I'd think you are approaching matters from two different directions, the clinical aspects with theory during your  counseling course, and your own feelings as the expert on yourself. It may well be that you are not so far finding a counselor or therapist that suits you because, unlike you, they do not have the personal experience.

Of course this means you are, if you do take up counseling, in a much better position to relate to your clients and their circumstances - a mutual benefit.

It may be that it might take you longer to complete your course - I did, and I'd suggest you not be discouraged by this. After all you have a whole additional set of circumstances to cope with as well as study, so it realy would not be surprising.

I'm glad your Schizoaffective disorder  has improved. If you suffer GAD as I do I can say with time and therapy I'd expect it will get a fair bit better.

Croix

[Gumnut_mum]

Hi BusinessLady

Well done on embarking on your study journey. While you might not be where you want to be, it's clear how far you've come in your own journey and I believe what you've gained from your personal experiences will make you a wonderful counsellor for people one day - empathy, realism, tolerance, an understanding of what it's like to sit in "the other chair" seeking someone's help, and the faith (and evidence) that improvement/healing is possible.

Studying counselling requires a deep exploration of your own mental health and it means a double whammy - the study workload and the toll of the personal work. Everyone I studied with was surprised at how much personal work is required and how confronting and exposing it can be. I found it brutal.

The calling to this type of work often comes from having personal experiences so I think it is absolutely possible to study and learn how to support others while continuing your own journey. There is a lot of pesonal therapy, supervision, placement hours, and (hopefully with your course) support to explore the personal impact and touchstones as part of the study. My experience is that you'll know when you're ready and able to support, hold space for, and focus on clients without it taking a toll on your own well-being.

Be compassionate with yourself and know that if you need to, you can pause your studies to focus on you and return to it. Part of the learning/work is knowing your limits and looking after yourself.

I wish you luck with finding a counsellor that feels right for you. Feeling heard and held is so important and someone will do that in the way you need.