In recent years, there’s been a growing focus on the importance of mental health in our society. This has come as we’ve realised that mental health disorders can impact anyone and everyone. More likely than not, someone you know is suffering – possibly in silence. Where common mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and addiction have traditionally carried heavy stigmas, today, we are increasingly encouraged to support and nurture those facing illness. And, for some people, the call to help people goes beyond kind words and supportive actions. Many are called to careers in mental healthcare. Are you one of these people?
If so, read on to find out what your career options are. The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) highlights four vital career paths for those interested in working in mental health.
Psychologist
You’ve probably seen it in a movie scene: someone in an armchair with a notepad, listening attentively to a patient who is lying on a couch, staring at the ceiling and sharing their feelings. This is a common perception of a psychologist, although the reality can be quite different.
Broadly speaking, psychology is the study of the mind, how it works and how it affects our behaviour. Psychologists play an important role in improving the mental health of their patients and can specialise in a number of areas – from working with children, organisations, or people with brain-based impairments. The qualifications you’ll require depend largely on the area of speciality. Want to know more about these options? Click here.
Specialist Psychiatrist
Like psychologists, psychiatrists are specialists in mental health issues. The key difference, however, is that psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication. They diagnose, assess, treat and prevent human mental, emotional and behavioural issues. Psychiatrists often deal with very complex and chronic mental health cases and if you’re interested in pursuing this career, you’ll need to get a Master’s in Medicine. Click here to learn more about it.
Addiction Counsellor
While this technically falls under the field of psychology, the HWSETA distinguishes this career as vital in South Africa where alcohol and drug abuse threaten many communities and families. It’s estimated that around 11% of South Africans suffer from different forms of addictions.
Addiction counsellors help change the patterns of addicts and help them understand the underlying factors of why they are addicts. This work often entails working directly with the patient’s family as well as providing community education on addiction issues. To become an addictions counsellor, you’d need an undergraduate degree and Honours in Psychology. Find out more.
Social Auxiliary Worker
As a social auxiliary worker, you would assist social workers to provide support, protection and assistance to those in need and who are vulnerable or in crisis. Whether working with individuals or communities as a whole, social auxiliary workers support social workers in promoting healthy relationships and community life. Joining this career requires just a year of study and is perfect for those caring individuals who want to make a difference in people’s lives. The HWSETA has highlighted this career as vital, considering South Africa’s challenging socio-economic status which impacts the healthy functioning of many families and communities. To find out more about this career option, click here.
Extra skills
Working in the mental healthcare sector isn’t for everyone. It can be difficult and emotional as you work with people to confront their feelings, traumas and behaviours. However, it can also be incredibly rewarding.
If you’re considering a career in mental healthcare, you’ll need some special skills in addition to the relevant qualifications. You’ll need good judgement, great critical thinking skills, and exemplary communication if you want to navigate your cases to see the best possible results for your patients and clients. Of course, empathy and understanding will also get you a long way in ensuring you offer personal, professional care to people facing mental healthcare concerns.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, consider one of these careers and think about how you can help people and ensure no one suffers in silence.