frustration - how can you get past it?
By rpeck2000
@rpeck2000 (95)
October 17, 2007 7:14pm CST
I am a therapist, and I spend much of my time putting other people on the path to getting the very most from their lives, and many of my clients have had some considerable success. However, I often find that my work goes in patches, and that I am often facing a large number of clients all at one time who are right at the very bottom. This has an impact on me, leaving me drained, frustrated, and often angry becasue I can't seem to get through to many of them in these states. I am pretty patient, and know that I will get them to more productive states - but I am finding it harder and harder to keep myself in the positive states I need to be in to assist them (I am a pretty good actress and I don't think they notice) but it impacts heavily on my enjoying my onw life and living it to the full. Anyone out there got any advice on how I can remain perky when all around me are dragging me down?
2 responses
@AD11RGUY (1265)
• United States
18 Oct 07
Without a doubt, you need your own therapist! Though you cannot discuss the details of your clients with anyone, you can vent your frustrations about your work with someone who can understand not only what you're going through, but you as well. Do you have any close friends or relatives of whom you can share practically anything about your life with? That's where I'd go first. Trying to keep it in check by yourself will drive you nuts. So find someone that you truly can trust and share your troubles with them. If there is no one, then I suggest you seek a counselor that you are comfortable with and can afford. Best of luck to you!
@rpeck2000 (95)
•
18 Oct 07
This period of problems has coincided with the time that a friend I usually do treatment swaps with being pregnant, and having her baby, so I guess therapy is the natural first call too - but finances have been very tight, and finding someone you can afford where I live is impossible when I can barely make payments for my living expenses! Because I work from home, I don't ahve a particularly wide circle of friends in the area, and none I would be able to trust with virtually anything sadly - I haven't lived where I am at the moment for very long, and old friends are so far removed these days with their own troubles. The lack of money has been part of the problem, and has made me less able to deal with issues being put on me by my clients. Thank you for your comment, I will definitely try and ring round a few places and see if anyone wants to do a treatment swap with me in the area - it might help me make a new friend too!
@AD11RGUY (1265)
• United States
19 Oct 07
You sound isolated. Can be good though. Is there any place close enough to bike, walk or take a short drive to where you can relax amongst nature? If there is, try taking a notebook with you and just write out your frustrations. I used to do this back in college, esp. the first year when I didn't know anyone. It really helped me. I wrote in the style of talking to someone, including asking them questions, so that is was like a conversation. And after a while, I did start answering myself (I know - only means I'm insane!) in my head. Helped me get through the muddle so that I could find the solutions I needed. And one other nice thing about being out in the middle of nowhere - you can let out that scream you've always wanted to! That has helped me to. I truly hope you find an outlet soon. I know this is...well...ummmm...frustrating.
@rpeck2000 (95)
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19 Oct 07
Thank you! I have wonderful countryside immediatelyout the back of my house - and I haven't been taking advantage of it recently. Sometime the obvious is the solution - but we don't use it because it seems so simple. Thank you for reminding me that the simple is often the most effective.
@foxygirle (376)
• Philippines
18 Oct 07
maybe you should have a timeoff or vacation from your work. Sometimes a change of enviroment can put yuo again in a right track especially when dealing with depressed people. maybe you should have more weekends away from your present surroundings and join more positive people to renew your spirit. Being with patient can eventually drag you sown especially those that are hard to change. Try to be with people who can recharge and uplift your energy. Watch and read more inspiring stories. That way you can have a renewed sense and a more fullfilling life. If not then maybe its time to seek for professional advise
@rpeck2000 (95)
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18 Oct 07
As I said above, it is difficult to spend time with other people as I don't know many people in my local area, I don't have any money to go out and take courses or socialise to make new friends and making friends with therapy clients is a definite no-no! I'd love to be able to do all those things you suggest - I'll keep hoping my numbers come up on the lottery so I can! Thank you for your response - it feels great already to know that people out there have suggestions, I often need a good kick up the bottom to make me actually take action - so I am grateful and feeling much more positive for having asked the question, and gotten some great feedback.
@rpeck2000 (95)
•
18 Oct 07
I will also definitely try and get some great stories to read and uplift me - that is a great suggestion, and I am sure it will be a great help. Thanks!
