A problem hiding in plain sight that has existed for decades if not longer, is the deleterious effects of working in health care on one’s physical, mental, and emotional health. It took a pandemic not seen for 100 years to pull back the cover on the pain, stress and exhaustion experienced by countless healthcare professionals across the nation and around the world. This short article examines factors contributing to diminished mental health and well-being and ways to improve them for professionals working in health care.
Health Care’s Toll on Mental Health and Well-Being
It’s well known that the rigors of medical and nursing school can bring about changes in one’s physical and emotional status. After working for several years in the field, the hours, stressors, and challenges add up and affect professionals in a variety of ways. Some will experience musculoskeletal injuries while others may face symptoms of depression or anxiety. It is not uncommon that some healthcare professionals may become burned out, suffer from extreme moral distress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Regardless of the type of negative experience, good people in the helping profession may also need help to maintain meaning and drive in the ever-changing world of health care.
Causes of Poor Mental Health and Well-Being
Unfortunately, there are no shortages of issues, problems and risks to mental health and well-being that naturally occur in health care. Some may say that these are hazards that come along with the job, and to an extent, they are probably correct. The problem is the chronic exposure to stressors and various factors that healthcare professionals deal with over a long period of time. Some features of health care causing professionals less than ideal mental health and poor well-being include:
- Working short or understaffed
- Heavy workloads
- Patients with more complex medical conditions
- Long shifts and sometimes being mandated to stay through another shift
- A high pace
- Ethical dilemmas and moral injury
- Lack of managerial support
- Changing regulations, policies and procedures
- Corporate restructuring
- Lack of safety
And the list goes on. Health care is such a large, complicated and ever-changing entity, that a multitude of stressors will be present more often than not. And depending upon the professional’s coping skills and level of resilience, a lot of negative outcomes can take their toll, especially over time.
Self-Care, Anyone?
Self-care may be an afterthought for many healthcare professionals who are used to prioritizing their patient’s needs, and for a number of reasons. Some may believe that they can battle through problems, fake it until they make it or just suck it up and everything will be fine. Others may ignore their own needs because they believe they’re being selfish or may fear judgment from others who might view them as weak.
Self-Care: The First Line of Defense Against Stress
Before seeking professional help or relying on prescription medications, self-care should not be forgotten as a real solution to major problems. It starts with checking in with one’s self and evaluating stress levels, coping mechanisms, intrusive thoughts or uncomfortable emotions like guilt or anger. It can also be as easy as developing a keener sense of awareness regarding one’s internal state of being in the following areas:
- Taking a break when one is needed
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Staying well hydrated
- Setting limits and boundaries
- Learning to say “no” when necessary
- Exercising on a regular basis
- Getting good quality sleep
- Allowing for emotional processing
- Practicing mindfulness, meditation, and prayer
Self-Care Can Build Resilience
Undoubtedly, self-care is a great first step in improving mental health and well-being and shielding some of the harm of working in health care. Over time, self-care habits and practices can make one more resilient to everyday stress and strain on the job and in life in general. Each self-care act allows the body and mind to stop, refocus, recharge, rest and rebuild.
Final Thoughts on Mental Health and the Well-Being of Healthcare Professionals
Health care is an ever-changing landscape, filled with problems and challenges which healthcare professionals face on a daily basis. Over an extended period of time, issues can have negative consequences on the individual’s mental health and overall well-being. While there are many ways to deal with these problems, self-care practices and habits should always be regarded as the first-line of defense in becoming a healthier and more resilient healthcare professional.