Such a Shame- Always too much, never enough

Conference: Association of Psychosocial Studies Conference

Dates: 9-10 June 2025

Abstract:

This paper shares findings from the literature review of Andy Morris’ PhD study, which explores the complex interplay between social workers’ experiences of shame and their mental health. Using the metaphor of the “monster under the bed” to symbolize shame, the review examines key themes such as motivations for entering the profession, including altruism and personal experiences, and how these shape one’s professional identity through the lenses of Social Identity Theory and Caregiver Role Identity Theory.

The review highlights the prevalence of stress and burnout among social workers, often linked to secondary and vicarious trauma. It also examines coping mechanisms, such as stoicism, that intersect with mental health stigma. Professional stigma, compounded by fear of judgment and threats to the social worker’s identity, emerges as a significant barrier to seeking help, exacerbating hidden struggles and increasing the risk of burnout.

To move from crisis towards resilience, Tilia presents her doctoral research on RAW- resilience, advocacy and wellbeing. This research project focused on the lived experience of female leaders in health and social care in 2022, when their personal and professional lives were still situated in a global pandemic context. The study signified the inequality of gender and background of the participants within their perceived positions of power in their leadership roles.

The participants conceptualized and subsequently ‘Reclaimed Resilience’ by reflecting on the intersectionality of gender, age, health and race. They challenged the neoliberal notion of not being ‘resilient enough’ as a woman, mother, carer and leader and the politicisation of the term.

Through Appreciative Inquiry participants defined what resilience, advocacy and wellbeing meant to them in their personal and professional lives, exploring how practice in health and social care could be made safer through compassionate leadership and organisational cultures of kindness.

Conference themes Stress, depression, anxiety Coping mechanisms and resilience The joint paper by Tilia and Andy will focus on the experiences of professionals in health and social care settings and their lived experiences of stress, depression and anxiety. Andy considers the stigma and shame of mental health. Tilia’s contribution will focus on how to ‘reclaim resilience’ from this position through compassionate leadership and self-care.

Source: Manual