Mental health and work environment: feelings of psychologists in a mental health service

Abstract

Introduction: According to Jung, the psychologist is a healer who suffers from his own wound, whose mask hides the shadow of his own feeling. The purpose of this research is to reveal the feeling of psychologists about their work process in a mental health center in 2025.
Method: A methodological level was directed under the gaze of the post-positivist paradigm, with a qualitative approach, with a phenomenological-hermeneutic method, using as an instrument for collecting information a semi-structured interview script focused on depth, with psychologists as the research subjects
Results: From the voices of the informants it can be revealed that their work environment generates discomfort and they feel vulnerable when their criteria as professionals are not respected. Regarding the effects of their work processes, they describe musculoskeletal ailments of the upper limbs, which they experience with difficult patients, in addition to this at a psychosocial level they present fatigue, isolation and mutism. Regarding self-care mechanisms in consultation, they refer to establishing clear limits, avoiding their own emotional processes and focusing on the patient. On the other hand, they feel comfortable with their work, but they have to bear the burden of family expectations that turn them into a god. Finally, they agree that life as a couple is somewhat complicated and that being a psychologist does not make it any better. 
Conclusion: Finally, they consider that mental health policies are necessary for the professional care of those who work with purely emotional demands.