It doesn’t occur to us that they might be showing up late for work or are poorly trained. Most of us assume that our guards are doing their job, but we seldom check up on them. Combined with an increased demand for services and a shortage of workers, professionals who work in mental health and recovery are facing burnout as never before.įor our stories on mental health and addiction services, we ended every interview with a simple question: “How are you holding up?” Below are some of the answers we got from the professionals guiding others through the pandemic. Unfortunately, however, if you closely observe your breathing habits and those of others, you’ll notice this ideal breath is rare. Not only do they have to worry about their own well-being and dealing with the same stresses as the rest of us, but they also have to support clients through some of the toughest periods of their lives. Mental health professionals report they’ve seen more people seeking treatment for depression and anxiety than ever before.īut for those whose job it is to help others manage their mental health, the pandemic has brought extra burdens. We’ve seen our routines and habits upended and, in their space, uncertainties have crept in. YOUNSGTOWN, Ohio – Everyone has had to manage the extra stresses brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.