WHY EUSTRESSIN'?: KASIM ABDUR RAZZAQ
I am always in search of ways to support the young men that I work with. I had to the opportunity to read Kasim’s book and picked up a few more tools. I had the honor to see how he adds Eustress to his life. Check it out!
HEY KASIM, WHY EUSTRESSIN’?
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING/ HOW LONG?
I am the CEO of Abdur Razzaq Counseling & Social Architecture, PA. I run a group mental health practice & consulting firm. I have worked in social services & education for approximately 18 years.
DO YOU EVER THINK ABOUT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUR PROFESSION?
My mental health is at the forefront of my thoughts & priorities because of the work I do.
WHAT UNIQUE CHALLENGES DO YOU ENCOUNTER SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR JOB THAT HAS AN IMPACT ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT?
Building capacity through supporting clients, staff & organizations who all place demands on mental & physical capital. This and managing work, family, community balance.
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE THAT YOU SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH WHEN TAKING ON DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES?
Mental health has been a priority since my childhood. My religious foundation & practices have given me insight into the Importance of holistic health.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE THOSE STRESSORS ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
Prayer, fasting, exercise, vacation, time with family, laughing, saying no & soliciting support from others.
HOW DOES BEING MENTALLY HEALTHY HELP IN YOUR FIELD OF WORK OR ON THE JOB?
Having good mental health provides me with capacity & endurance to accomplish work goals & meet planning deadlines.
WHAT DOES EUSTRESS LOOK LIKE FOR YOU AT WORK? AT HOME/AWAY FROM WORK?
Good stress is when I'm pushed just outside my comfort zone and given support to be successful. Parenting alongside my wife is at the heart of daily Eustress!
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?
Know thy self, Identify mentors and supports early. Surround yourself with professional peers who can model healthy relationships and professional practices.
ANY OTHER INFORMATION YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU AND WHAT YOU’RE UP TO?
AR Counseling is currently in the process of rolling out our initiative to support healthy sustainability of helping professionals in the field. This month we are launching our exclusive shirt line "The Therapist Tee" which will feature common theoretical orientations of mental health professionals. The overall initiative is focused on cultivating discussions, training, supports & spaces to create transparency and wellness for mental health professionals. Our mission is to ask & establish solutions to the question "Who takes care of the caretaker?" We look forward to meeting the mental health needs of all people through capacity building & establishing "healthy circuitry" practices with helping professionals.
HOW CAN PEOPLE CONTACT YOU FOR MORE INFORMATION?
Website:
https://www.kasimabdurrazzaq.com
Instagram:
kasthearchitect
Facebook:
kasim.abdurrazzaq
Email:
