Switching off
By Kath Lockett | smh.com.au | 03 July
Those workers who specialise in helping sufferers of child abuse and mental illness see more than their fair share of distressing situations.
Dr Bernadette Saunders is a senior research fellow in child abuse prevention at Monash University. Her research has included examining risk assessment in child protection, child sexual abuse and the media and the intergenerational transfer of family violence.
"The research that I am involved in ... can be stressful," she says. "A particular focus has been the physical punishment of children or 'smacking'.
It can be difficult speaking to, and sometimes being confronted by, the media about this issue and reading public responses to suggestions that the defence to assault of 'reasonable chastisement' should be removed."
The subject matter is not the only part of her job that adds stress.
"Academic life comes with the pressure to attract research funding and publish in high-ranking journals and also means striving to achieve high standards in lecturing, research, publications and community involvement when there rarely seems to be enough time," she says.
Outside work, Saunders values time with her family and friends and keeping active.
"My children and their educational and work experiences, their interests and achievements are very important to me and have helped me maintain balance in my life, as have extended family events and time on holiday with my husband and children - especially hiking in the Grampians.
The flexibility to sometimes be able to work at home also helps." Yoga and meditation sessions and gym workouts with a spa or steam also relieve stress.
"I also love to read novels but only rarely manage to finish a good book," she says.
Spending 20 years in the public and private mental health systems hasn't lessened clinical psychologist Dr Simon Crisp's enthusiasm for the work but he knows the job has significant responsibilities.
"When treating adolescents, for example, you're frequently helping people decide not to end their life, hurt themselves or make dangerous life decisions," he says.
"It's a very privileged position, to help others and be trusted with deeply personal information that people share."
Early on, Crisp appreciated the compulsory clinical supervision; these days, as director of his own practice, Neo Psychology, he appreciates the support and advice of his colleagues.
"They understand the unique stresses associated with clinical practice and support me to deal with the often-confronting matters and responsibilities I have.
"Being careful not to let your career and work life consume you is important, especially as a psychologist.
This role is often a selfless one, so getting away into the outdoors, which I love, and having some time to myself is important. I am a passionate photographer, bushwalker and trail-bike tourer.
"I also love spending time with my family, especially wrestling and having adventures with my kids."
Having confidence in your skills and abilities in handling the rigours of the job should not be underestimated, he says.
"Years of training and experience in clinical psychology mean it is easier to maintain a well-considered and effective response to challenging situations.
Knowing that I am well-equipped and experienced to deal with these things substantially reduces the stress."
Scott Garnett is the leading teacher of community partnerships at Travancore, a school that supports students with diagnosed mental health issues.
"I find the number of students referred to our team stressful, and also the distress that I see in families and teachers who are trying to work with young people affected with behavioural and mental health issues," he says.
He is very clear about not taking on the client's problem, instead considering how he can help them. Outside of work, Garnett catches up with friends and winds down by listening to music.
"I also enjoy collecting Australian automotive ephemera, usually old sales brochures. I love the colour and lies that they spout on what is basically a mundane form of transport."
Tips
■ Balance "It is important to maintain a healthy balance between work and outside commitments," says Saunders.
■ Support "Support from a skilled colleague is probably the single most valuable way to maintain high standards and safe practise," says Crisp.
■ Perspective "Be clear about what you can do versus what is impossible," Garnett advises.
How do you handle stress? Tell us at mycareer.com.au/vote.
First published by Smh.com.au on July 03 2010
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