5 Reasons to Consider a Mental Health Career

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Marleny Hucks
Marleny Huckshttp://MyrtleBeachSC.com
Marlene (or Marleny as she is known in Spanish) is a mentor, teacher, cross-cultural trainer, storyteller, writer, and for those who have been under her leadership or simply sat across the table from her, she is a mirror of destiny. Her love of word and image were formed early on by one of her heroes, Dr. Seuss. If you asked those who know her well, they would describe her a compassionate, funny, wise, curious, honest, real, strong, sensitive and totally human which comes out as she teaches and writes. She sees all of life, even the most mundane, through faith and believes that who we become as we live this side of the veil is what matters not the journey itself or our circumstances. Marleny Hucks has spent her life crossing bridges. She comes from a diverse background of ministry roles and contexts as well as has transitioned in and out of the business world. Having lived outside the country as well as traveled extensively she has a fascination with culture causes her to live her life within a global mosaic no matter where her feet are planted. Marlene currently lives in South Carolina with her husband David, who owns a news company but who she says is a “crime fighter”, bringing light into darkness in their systems of their city. Marleny currently works as a content management specialist covering Myrtle Beach News for MyrtleBeachSC News.

Mental health is among the most pressing issues in the modern world. At least one in four people experience mental health issues in their lifetime, but subtle anxiety and depression relapses are common. It’s crucial to have trained experts with appropriate tools to curb mental conditions and promote societal recovery. A mental health career can be a bold step towards tackling these challenges to help build a better society.

1. Mental Health Issues Are On the Rise

The number of people suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health conditions is alarming. According to a recent report, at least one in five people have experienced mental health conditions, and the numbers keep rising. Particularly, about one in eight people live with anxiety-related conditions, while one in ten has acute depression or other symptoms similar to depression.

After the global pandemic, more people experience the adverse effects of mental health issues. Mental health specialists are now critical in assisting the growing population with mental health-related problems. Mental health specialists provide support by helping people fight stigmatization and promoting cross-cultural care.

2. Mental Health Specialists Are in High Demand

The focus on the importance of mental health is on the rise, thus the push for better access to appropriate support services. As a result, the number of open opportunities in mental health has increased, and the trend can continue over the next few years.

Mental health is a cross-cutting field, and new entrants don’t need a medical background to switch careers. In fact, the average salary for entrants with non-medical qualifications can expect attractive remuneration packages. Besides, the earnings tend to increase as your experience in the industry increases.

Typically, opportunities for mental health practitioners are abundant, but the future is brighter for people with relevant training, passion, and knowledge. If this resonates with your career goals, you can sign up for an online PMHNP program available in South Carolina and kick-start your career.

3. Help With Mental Health Awareness to Ensure Better Workplaces

Studies show that at least 91% of workers understand the importance of mental health in the workplace, while only 88% prioritize physical health. The same studies suggest that only half of the working population consider their current workplace ideal for mental well-being. At the same time, more than three-quarters think their workplace is good for physical safety.

Most people believe employers should support people experiencing mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Promoting mental health in workplaces makes employees happier and boosts team productivity. A mental health specialist can be vital to employers and employees. While the contribution may be subtle, it’s the key to solving the workforce’s interrelated issues.

4. You Can Leverage Your People Skills

Mental health career is centered on people, and professionals in the field have a golden opportunity to nurture and grow their relationship-building skills by helping others in need. Ideally, mental health practitioners spend their time speaking with people to understand their challenges and personal struggles. This builds the rapport necessary to understand the subconscious mental health-related issues that may impact their lives.

Depending on the situation, you can apply proven counseling and treatment methods to assess the situation further and help people solve the underlying issues. And while most interactions with patients experiencing serious problems are through private sessions, you can also develop and execute group therapy activities to manage cross-cutting issues.

Most importantly, mental health professionals often collaborate with other medical experts, like nurses, and physicians, to monitor patients and offer therapeutic support when necessary. You may also be tasked with liaising with external mental health services and regulatory bodies to provide insight and updates on patient progress.

5. Venture Into a Diverse Field With New Challenges

When most people think about mental health care, they think it’s all about a psychiatrist speaking with a patient in a plush lounge, urging them to talk about their dreams in a hypnotic state. However, there are numerous types of mental health professionals.

With endless specializations and fulfilling opportunities, working as a mental health practitioner rarely feels monotonous. Each day offers new, intriguing, and interesting challenges that push you to find better approaches to prevailing issues.

Typically, you’ll follow up with people from diverse backgrounds to ensure they’re on track with their recovery journeys. And each day presents new challenges due to the diverse nature of mental health conditions among different individuals.

Every interaction allows you to learn new aspects about your patients. Most importantly, you’ll meet people from different backgrounds, experiences, challenges, and beliefs and find ways to address their complex mental health concerns.

Endnote

The mental health career offers abundant and meaningful employment opportunities for people with relevant skills, self-drive, and passion for advancing their careers. While mental health is closely related to the medical industry, some specializations don’t require a medical background, and you can build a great career regardless of your previous academic qualifications. Most importantly, the demand for mental health practitioners is rising, and the remuneration packages are attractive. 

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