As healing professionals, we must care for our own mental health so we have the presence to be with our patients. But what do we do when our own anxiety makes it hard to feel grounded during an appointment? How can we show up for patients when we share the anxieties or worries that are present in the room?

Make time outside appointments to check in with how you're feeling

Especially in difficult times, see if you can try to set aside time outside patient appointments to notice what’s coming up for you. If you can’t name the feeling or the emotion, try to see if you can locate it in your body.

Is it in your chest, your abdomen, your neck or shoulders?
Does it feel tight, loose, warm, cold, expansive, contracted, tender, energetic, heavy, light, etc.?
Does it feel like it is moving at all or does is it feel like it is still?

Sometimes, when it’s difficult to find the words, it can help just to notice where it is and how it is in your body. See if you can just notice what comes up and tune into what feels the most authentic to what you need.

For example, tight heavy shoulders might reflect having a lot on your plate and feeling burdened. Simply acknowledging what your body is holding, even if it doesn’t immediately relax, can change your relationship to it. This is a way of practicing Somatic Psychotherapy and being with the mind body-connection.

Boundaries and Your Needs

Take a moment to consider your boundaries and personal needs. Ask yourself what you need: a break, to remove yourself from a situation, to set a time limit, to seek out support, receive empathy, or have a trusted person to vent to? As we know, taking care of ourselves helps those around us. It is worth understanding what having healthy boundaries look like to you especially when you feel highly anxious or overwhelmed. Within the reality of the needs of others at work, how can you still take care of yourself?

Consider concrete actions: short breaks, a walk, a good cry, deep breathing, or self care outside of work including setting off‑hours when you don’t check messages.
Staying Present- If thinking about many options makes you feel anxious, focus on one thing at a time and what is going on in the present moment.
Consider symbolic playful strategies: for example, creating an imagined boundary bubble where you can be with others without taking on their energy.
Are there relational supports such as trusted network you can turn to?

Cultivating a Support Network

Building a support network can be a great tool to manage your anxiety. Consultation with fellow professionals and emotional resonance from peers can provide space to share experiences, receive encouragement, and normalize what you’re facing. Regular supervision or peer-support groups can offer time to discuss challenges, celebrate successes, and explore coping strategies.

Consider organizing regular check-ins with colleagues or joining a professional group. This can create a sense of community, helps reduce feelings of isolation, and can foster a supportive environment of shared experiences.

Prioritizing Personal Therapy

Many professionals find personal therapy a helpful strategy for managing anxiety. Therapy provides a safe space to process your feelings, fears, and challenges, especially important when caring for others leaves little room for your own care. If you feel overwhelmed, tired, anxious, or burnt out, consider trying personal therapy. It’s a place to vent, process, explore, understand, and be seen.

Individual therapy can reveal your triggers and help you develop healthier coping strategies that inform both personal growth and professional practice. It can help make space for empathy and clinical insight.

Key Takeaway

Nurturing one's mental health is essential for healthcare providers struggling with anxiety. By acknowledging your feelings, practicing mindfulness, establishing boundaries, cultivating support systems, and considering personal therapy, helping professionals can tend to their feelings of anxiety. Remember, taking care of yourself is not just a personal necessity; it’s a pivotal step in providing the highest quality care to patients.

Therapy for Anxiety

Shohreh (“Sho-ray”) Schmuecker, Psychotherapist

If you are seeking anxiety treatment and prefer a clinician experienced in “healing the healer,” Shohreh Schmuecker, LMFT, is available for online therapy for individuals in California and is located in the San Francisco Bay Area. She provides skilled treatment for helping professionals dealing with anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout, using trauma-informed, relational, and Somatic Psychotherapy approaches.

Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your needs, learn about her approach, and see whether her practice is a good fit.

This blog is for general information purposes only. It is not meant for a substitution for medical or mental health advice or treatment. Please see a licensed professional for medical or mental health advice and/or recommendations specific to your needs.

Helpful Strategies for Anxiety for Healthcare Professionals