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Originally Posted by kkrrhh
I'm 23 and attended community college for a year after high school, then took a break due to mental illness and uncertainty of what I really wanted to do. I've been planning for a while to return to school this fall, not even feeling like I 100% "fixed" whatever I was hoping I would during my break, but realizing I probably never will and need to just get back into it. Plus I am a bit better now and more certain, even if I'm not exactly perfect.
Starting when I was 11 or 12 I'd wanted to do something psychology related, and mainly wanted to "help people" (duh, a lot of people want to do that, whatever.) I realized a while ago clinical psychology wouldn't be right for me, research doesn't interest me enough, etc. Social work was always one of a few options I was considering, but the past year or so, especially the past 6 months, I've been feeling a lot more certain about it. Social work basically just embodies (almost) everything I'm really passionate about, and nothing else even comes close.
I'm worried though because, while I feel so certain about it, some part of me can't help but think that the idea of me, basically a human mess, trying to help other people with their lives is laughable. I was stable for a while and am now not doing so well, which worries me more and has me even less uncertain, but at the same time thinking about going back to school and trying to get started with this is one of the only things I feel SO excited about during this spell. I feel like it's ridiculous because I'm still unsure about how well I'll be able to stay stable long term, I struggle with mental illness, and in some ways I don't handle stress well, and even "stable" people get burn out a lot from social work careers. I'm also pretty introverted and fear I lack social skills in general, and that that would get in the way, of course. But I feel like doing something I care about this much would be what kept me going anyway. Even though part of me feels it's unrealistic, it's like I'm just refusing to accept no for an answer.
So I'm not really sure what my point is. I've done some reading and see people say things about people who have struggled in those ways actually making great social workers, and some saying it's a bad idea. Does anyone here have any experience in this, or advice or encouragement, I guess? Thanks.  |
I'm a social worker and also struggle with my own stuff. It wasn't my stuff that got me into it as such, that's come to light more recently. I always wanted to work with people. I too considered psychology, but didn't get the grades for it. I worked as a youth worker for a little bit and stumbled across social work.
Social work appealed to me because of its strong social justice values. I've loved it since the moment I started. It can be a draining job and burn out is real. Part of the training is learning to switch off and how to care for yourself. Having supportive supervisors helps too.
People with lived experience can be fantastic social workers. I think it's important though that it be about the clients not us. When I'm at work, although I am myself, I am in work mode. I leave my stuff at the door and I'm present there.
Having a difficult time with my own mental health for the past 18 months has been tough. There's been days where it's made work difficult, but it's been insightful more than anything. I think that the experience has improved my ability to relate and emphasise with clients.
Having such passion for social work is a great start. I wish you the best of luck!
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