Having Reservations About Going Into Social Work...

Well, Monday I start the spring semester of college & my human services program. I choose this program because, working as a home health aide, I wish there was more I could do to help my clients get the resources they need. However, I'm having reservations & am hoping I'm choosing the right program. Part of my reservations comes from reading the human services program guide & upon learning our professors will be observing student behaviors & correcting us as necessary. Well, I afraid my anxiety, low self-esteem, & co-dependency issues, which I'm continuing to work with a therapist on, are going to picked up on. And I'm second guessing whether or not this is the right career path for me because of having boundary and co-dependency issues, which I think I'll always struggle with, could interfer with the theraputic relationship & quality of counsel I provide. Which leads me to the question of can a person overcome their co-dependency & co-dependent behaviors? Also, I'm having some anxiety because one of my professors, who is also my faculty advisor, is the social worker who did the psych evaluation and admitted me to the hospital 4 1/2 years ago during one of my severe depressive episodes. All of this has me wondering if this is a mistake and I should choose a different major...

It could go either way ... your issues could create problems with boundaries or it could make you a most empathetic and caring social worker since you've "been there". Any correcting your instructors might do is only for your benefit, to help you do your job in an effective way. And maybe that instructor who knows your history will be glad to see you are moving forward in your life ... I would be.

I have anxiety and codependent tendencies but had a very successful career in health care (now retired). My patients appreciated that I was a good listener and cared.

Best wishes. I secretly hope you'll go for your dream ...

I'm so sorry, butterfly_angel I understand your fears. I'd advice to give it a try anyway. You may be surprised at yourself for how good you are at this job. Try not to take what your professors say to you too personally. They're only doing this to ensure that you'll be doing a good job. They're not comments directet at you, personally, but just the work you're doing, so that you can improve. Keep working with your therapist about this as that's really important. If you're still not convinced about this, know that there's nothing to be ashamed of in selecting another career. It's perfectly normal. Just do whatever you feel is the right thing to do. Wish you good luck! Let us know how it goes. Sending many hugs to you

Hey there!

I chose this post specifically because I saw "social work" and I instantly was like, "I definitely need to see this post" haha. The reason being, I myself have/am considering social work -- maybe more of the medical social work side?

It sounds like what's stopping you is the fact that you're seeing a therapist, your professor is also someone who admitted you into the hospital -- so maybe that sorta makes you feel iffy about it and all? Which that totally makes sense.

You know -- I wanted to go into social work because I genuinely enjoy helping people, and you clearly want too. You have the background. You want to help your patients get the resources they need and what not. The depression and anxiety make sense. Maybe you could take it this way? Maybe as you get more into the field, you'll discover that you're helping people in such a positive way -- it'll help you overcome your anxiety, and may make you more cheerful. The decision is really yours haha, but I mean it's a way to think about it.

As for me, I'm "eh" about it too, primarily because the pay isn't so great. So I am considering medical social work, or maybe even nursing. I'm kind of lost about it too haha, so don't feel so bad. We'll figure it out together.

I hope things work out for you!
: )

I think you need to tread lightly. Before I got medicated properly and got my mental health in check i would easily get wrapped up in other people's problems. I became emeshed in their issues. There is not way I would have been a good fit for them.