The Ethics of Rest: Why Therapists and Caregivers Must Prioritize Wellness

The Conflict Between Self-Care and Professional Duty

I often remind my clients that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Yet, when I tested positive for COVID-19 recently, I found myself struggling with an internal conflict I’ve seen echoed in the lives of many helping professionals. The guilt of canceling or rescheduling appointments was immediate and heavy. I had to wrestle with a deeply rooted value—“showing up no matter what”—versus the professional and ethical imperative to care for my own health. This is a familiar pattern among therapists, teachers, nurses, and other direct service professionals. We are trained to be present, to hold space for others, and to prioritize the needs of our communities. But what happens when our own health is compromised?

Unique Stressors in Mental Health Professions

The mental health profession carries a unique set of stressors. Emotional labor, constant exposure to trauma, high caseloads, and systemic challenges all contribute to burnout. The World Health Organization classifies burnout as an occupational phenomenon, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment (World Health Organization 2019). In helping roles, burnout is not just a risk—it is a frequent reality.

This is not just a psychological burden. Chronic stress and burnout have been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and compromised immune function (Melamed et al. 2006). For those of us in health and mental wellness fields, the irony is clear: in our efforts to support others, we often neglect our own well-being, becoming more vulnerable to the very conditions we work to prevent in others.

The Cultural Stigma of Rest

One of the biggest challenges I face—and I hear this echoed across the professions—is the internal narrative that taking time off is a sign of weakness or failure. For example, during my recent illness, I felt a strong reluctance to rest, despite knowing that continuing to work while sick could harm both my clients and myself. This mindset is reinforced by organizational cultures that reward overwork and penalize vulnerability. In environments marked by staffing shortages and limited budgets, the expectation of being constantly available is heightened.

Systemic and Individual Solutions

Best practices in health and mental wellness must include systemic and individual strategies. On the organizational level, municipalities should implement mandatory wellness days, regular supervision focused on practitioner well-being, and policies that normalize mental health leave. For clinicians, boundary-setting is critical. I have learned to incorporate structured breaks, limit my caseload, and engage in regular peer consultation. I also maintain a relationship with my own therapist, which helps me process the emotional