Description: Dr. Branch shares his personal story of burnout and depression while working in the mental health and wellness profession. Dr. Branch was driven by a "Superman mentality" of trying to save everyone instead of saving himself first. Dr. Branch would work long hours, take work home, and even watch shows about addiction in his free time, never allowing himself a true break. This eventually led him to a breaking point of depression and anxiety, at which point he decided to quit his job and take a year off. During this time, he became a licensed bartender, which allowed him to step away from the helping profession and focus on himself. Through this experience, Dr. Branch created a self-care framework entitled the ESPM Model for Self-Care. The model focuses on Emotional, Spiritual, Physical, and Mental wellness. He emphasizes that we can only truly "save" ourselves, not others, and that consistent self-care practices in these four key areas.
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