Since psychologists study the human mind, mental disorders, and the mechanisms behind emotions and behaviors, does that mean they are always mentally healthy themselves? Are they more self-aware and better at regulating their own emotions? Or do they also struggle despite knowing the technicalities behind mental health?
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Psychologists and psychiatrists are reported to have a higher rate of depression and suicide than other medical professionals, or the general public.
Not all studies agree on that conclusion, of course, and the demographics suggest differences by race & gender, but it definitely doesn’t seem like they’re substantially more healthy, at least.
This then leaves the classic question of which direction the correlation runs – does working in health care tend to cause mental health issues, or are people with pre-existing mental health issues more likely to be interested in studying how the mind works?
I’m a psychologist who studies positive psychology, meaning psychological strengths. It has greatly improve my wellbeing over the past decade or so. Meditation has really big benefits when done over time.