Lessons Learned Working With Mental Illness

Almost exactly a year ago I started a chapter in life that opened the door to the world of casework. I began my first professional job as a caseworker for a non-profit behavioral health agency. I have learned some powerful lessons over the past year and I wanted to share the insight and sensitivities to this line of work.

Lesson #1: It’s Not About Me

Because I have been nearly obsessed about my story and experiences in the psych wards, I thought this would make me an ideal candidate to work with clients struggling with their mental health.

Not so. Not even close.

The qualities that make someone a qualified and capable candidate for this industry are not experience but how much of a heart you have for others.

Empathy is a leading characteristic in this field because suffering begs to be validated.

Those with mental health issues want to know they’re valued, affirmed and heard. Listening goes hand in hand with that. Being a good listener is another great quality to have within this field.

And understanding that others’ experiences are just as valid as my own. They are worth something. How we interpret those experiences may differ, but they still have value to the individual.

Lesson #2: Don’t Judge

I come from a conservative Christian, traditionally evangelical background, and it’s easy to say God will judge the person, so let Him. It’s also a very delicate task to judge the situation versus the sinner.

In this line of work, it’s been especially comforting to not judge other’s choices, and not imply what they’re doing is wrong, or even right, for that matter.

When we project a value judgment on something, we either shut the person down, or we placate and agree with them to agree with us (disingenuous). When judging someone’s actions or thoughts, especially when they’re un-biblical or less than holy, rapport is hurt.

Jesus didn’t come to judge our actions, or tell us that something we are doing is wrong. He came to show the way – and demonstrated that by doing life the right way.

When a client comes to me and confides in me about a choice they made that strongly rubs me the wrong way, I cannot tell them my opinion or even my reality. I’ve learned the best way to approach it is to listen, acknowledge what they’re saying, why they’re saying it, and just let them figure out the best way to handle it. If I don’t agree, maybe I’m wrong.

Admitting I’m wrong and apologizing is also key.

Lesson #3: Praise Others Lavishly

This is so paramount to this line of work. Many of our clients have little or no natural supports and grew up in a broken home. Not hearing that they’re valued, or have self-worth leaves a gap. They’re usually lacking for encouragement and commendation.

Many times when I point out something that they did well, or even for them meeting regularly with me, I will thank them and encourage them for spending the time with me that day. And commending them and reminding them of the progress they make is especially powerful.

This is something I have seen make a large difference in the effort they put in to meeting. Believing they are valued and cared about gives them more confidence and builds them up, and can then open their eyes to what they’re capable of.

Lesson #4: Mental illness is Widespread

Mental health issues happen to many people. And while it seems like a demographically sensitive problem, (ie. more impoverished people having mental illness), it’s not.

It’s partly learned behaviors (lack of self-control),

partly rearing through childhood (lack of stable parenting),

partly socioeconomic (lack of money and goods),

partly belief system (lack of truth),

partly brain chemistry (lack of the right medication),

partly physical health (lack of functioning organs).

And the bottom line of this is: it can happen to anyone.

Anxiety disorders, depression, personality and mood disorders – I personally think when they are ignored, they don’t go away. They only get worse. So choosing to accept these combination of factors that cause mental health problems is accurate and healthy.

They shouldn’t, however, turn into excuses and reasons why a person cannot overcome their struggles with their mind. But again, no one is immune.