WHY EUSTRESSIN'?: JACQUELINE CURRIE
HEY JACQUELINE, WHY EUSTRESSIN’?
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING/ HOW LONG?
I am a licensed mental health counselor, author, talk show host, mother, and artist.
DO YOU EVER THINK ABOUT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUR PROFESSION?
I think about my mental health on a daily basis.
WHAT UNIQUE CHALLENGES DO YOU ENCOUNTER SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR JOB THAT HAS AN IMPACT ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT?
My job entails a heightened sense of awareness pertaining to my environment and the environment for the children that I serve. It is always a challenge to make sure I am responding to adverse behaviors in a responsible and helpful manner.
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE THAT YOU SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH WHEN TAKING ON DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES?
I realized years ago that I appeared to be more invested than my clients in their own success. It became apparent to me that I needed to learn how to manage my own stuff and to talk to someone about how to leave work at work.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE THOSE STRESSORS ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
When I feel myself becoming too emotionally charged or affected by my work, I talk to myself about what I’m feeling and make myself fully aware. I often step away for breaks when needed or listen to something funny on my computer. It helps to bring me back to a good place mentally.
HOW DOES BEING MENTALLY HEALTHY HELP IN YOUR FIELD OF WORK OR ON THE JOB?
I cannot help the children I serve effectively if I am not feeling well emotionally. I have to be able to focus on them when needed and that can only happen if I take care of myself first.
WHAT DOES EUSTRESS LOOK LIKE FOR YOU AT WORK? AT HOME/AWAY FROM WORK?
My self care at work consists of listening to funny videos, stretching, going to sit in someone else’s office and taking deep breaths. I get in my car and take a 5-10 minute ride away from the office and come back with a better frame of mind.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD TELL SOMEONE JUST STARTING IN YOUR PROFESSION OR A YOUNG PERSON WHO ASPIRES TO BE THE PROFESSIONAL THAT YOU ARE?
“Getting results for your mental health” airs every 3rd Thursday on Fox 46 Charlotte.
HOW CAN PEOPLE CONTACT YOU FOR MORE INFORMATION?
Website:
www.jacquelinecurrie.org
Instagram:
jackeecurr
Facebook:
jacquelinefcurrie
