Even Healers need healing. Even listeners need to be heard

Dear Manathin Manuscriptians, 

“You’re a Psychologist… how can you feel this way?”

I’ve heard this more than once — as if learning about the human mind makes us immune to its struggles.

There exists a strange belief that psychologists — because we study emotions, behavior, and mental health — should never experience mental pain. We are expected to be emotionally balanced at all times, carry endless empathy, understand every perspective, and gracefully handle every emotional storm.

But here's the truth:

            Psychologists feel. Psychologists break. Psychologists cry. Psychologists heal.

We are trained to understand pain — not to escape it.

We are aware of coping mechanisms — but that doesn’t mean our lives are free of triggers.

We offer a listening ear — but sometimes, we too crave to be heard.

This idea that psychologists should always have clarity and emotional perfection is unfair and even damaging. It shames professionals into silence when they struggle. It fuels guilt when we feel overwhelmed. And it hides the truth — that emotional education doesn't erase emotional experience.

Just because I understand what anxiety is, doesn’t mean I never feel it.

Just because I teach about coping strategies, doesn’t mean I don’t sometimes forget to use them.

Let’s normalize that psychologists are allowed to fall apart and rebuild — again and again.

We hold space for others. But it’s time we hold space for ourselves too.

"Even healers need healing. Even listeners need to be heard."

You’re not weak for needing help. You’re just human — and that’s more than enough.

Note - Please remember this is my perspective — not a universal truth.

As psychologists, we honor the principle of individual differences. Each mind is unique, and each journey is personal. This space is mine to reflect, and I welcome yours too — even if it’s different.

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#ManathinManuscript
#SelfTalk
#MentalHealthAwareness
#PsychologistsAreHumanToo