Self-care is not a luxury or a selfish indulgence for helping professionals; it is an ethical obligation and a vital part of your job performance. Self-care is the intentional practice of taking care of your physical, mental, emotional, relational, environmental, and spiritual needs. It is about being attuned to yourself and what you need to be your most constructive, effective, and authentic self. It is also about being proactive and preventive, rather than reactive and remedial.

Connection is essential for human well-being, as it provides a sense of belonging, support, trust and intimacy. However, anxiety can impair connection in several ways, such as avoidance, impaired communication, low self-esteem, and reduced empathy.

As we enter 2023, mental health has become an increasingly important topic in society. The last few years have seen a surge in awareness and conversation surrounding mental health, and this trend is set to continue in the coming year.

Social anxiety is incredibly common in today’s day in age. It consists of fear of judgment or being watched by others and creates significant distress in social, occupational, and daily functioning.