Let’s Take Some ‘Careless Bath Time’!
As social workers, we’re taught to be self-reflective and critical thinkers. But that doesn’t mean we have to be perfect or endlessly selfless. It’s natural to question ourselves, to sometimes feel frustrated with our work, or even overwhelmed by our clients’ struggles. The truth is, we’re rarely told that everyone faces tough days with challenging clients. It’s OK to feel irritated, even to voice those feelings if it helps us cope. What matters is that we find a healthy release, so we can step into tomorrow ready to face a new day with a fresh perspective.
Welcome to this space – a personal and vulnerable corner where you can let your guard down. Here, you can leave behind the need for professionalism and share the raw, unfiltered parts of your day.
It might feel a little “wrong” or even a bit “bad” to say some things aloud. But everyone needs a safe place to vent. For me, all the honest, unpolished thoughts seem to arrive in the shower – so I call it my own CBT: ‘Careless Bath Time.’ This space is a reminder that it’s OK to let it all out, so we can find peace in the moments that follow.
Let’s Take Some ‘Careless Bath Time’
Every time I take a shower, my thoughts from the day seem to pour in along with the water. Most of the time, these thoughts just drift around in the steam, only to vanish the moment I step out of the bathroom. But lately, I’ve found it interesting to jot them down. It’s a way to capture the fleeting moments that might resonate with someone else who needs to hear they’re not alone in what they’re feeling.
Question of the day
“Why do I still feel stressed, even when my clients give positive feedback?”
My Response
All my clients thanked me today, yet I still count it as a stressful or even “BAD” day.
Things just didn’t flow the way I wanted. The patterns didn’t follow my expectations, and I couldn’t keep my notes up to date. I wanted a proper sense of closure—cases neatly wrapped up—but some providers didn’t respond. And then there are the clients I didn’t reach out to, the ones who often leave me stressed just thinking about them. I know contacting them would probably ease my anxiety, but somehow, I’m too nervous to do it. So, they stay at the bottom of my to-do list. Yet, the more I leave it, the more I imagine they’re angry or disappointed, and I fear I’ll end up “messing things up.”
But what does “messing things up” even mean? Is it just about getting negative feedback? Maybe. Do I actually care about a bad comment? Not really, especially since my manager is supportive. So why do I dread it? I realize it’s because it messes with my sense of satisfaction. I want to do everything perfectly, and there it is: me against myself. I’m my own toughest critic. Good to know.
Your Turn
Is this where burnout really comes from? And what happens when it’s you questioning yourself?
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Welcome to the journey of a social worker navigating the path to becoming a credentialed Mental Health Social Worker and ultimately earning psychologist registration.
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