The mental health of healthcare workers

Working in the field of healthcare, whatever your role, can be rewarding, but it can also be very stressful. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the mental health of healthcare workers made the news, as frontline nurses spoke openly about the effects that long working hours, stress and the lack of essential supplies had on them.

In this article, Dr. Harshi Dhingra talks to us about the mental health of healthcare workers and the importance of taking care of it.

Demands of work in the field of neurological rehabilitation and impact on the physical and mental health of healthcare staff

When working in a neurological rehabilitation environment, you are constantly exposed to patients who are struggling to regain strength and improve their quality of life. They always need encouragement and support. Workers in this demanding field often forget to practice self-care. If a healthcare worker does not properly care for their mental health, they cannot provide quality care to others, especially those who suffer injuries or disabilities that alter their lives.

Working in this field is physically and mentally demanding. Any healthcare setting can be stressful. As a nurse or health professional, it is up to you to find ways to care for your own mental health. Long working hours require time for rest and quality relaxation. This type of work can also be physically demanding. Many choose to cope with stress and physical demands by using drugs or alcohol.

The mental health of healthcare workers is essential to their ability to do their job. When you are at work, you may skip meals, forgo much-needed sleep or forget to be aware of your surroundings. It is up to you to set limits on your dedication. Take a few days off when things become too overwhelming or go for a walk during your break time.

The importance of caring for the mental health of healthcare workers

Making time for yourself is essential. When you practice self-care, you reap the benefits in many different ways. You can put distance between yourself and your work and do the things that bring you joy. Engaging in activities you enjoy will allow you to relax and feel comfortable.

Self-care allows you to concentrate more clearly. Relaxation techniques clear the mind and help relieve stress and tension. Mental fatigue is often a problem for the mental health of healthcare workers, especially those working in neurological rehabilitation and other types of recovery centers. It can lead to mistakes and patient injuries. Individual patient needs can be very diverse, so the need for personalized care is essential.

Ways to make time for yourself

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to relaxation. Choose what suits you best. It may be a long bath at the end of the day or a trip to the mall on your day off. Maybe it’s listening to your favorite podcast during your commute to work. Choose something you truly enjoy that helps you relax and recharge. As a healthcare worker, mental health is an absolute priority, but there are many ways to give it priority.

Deep tissue massage invigorates you physically and mentally. It removes toxins from the body and helps you stay flexible and strong. The benefit of therapeutic touch will also allow you to release much of the physical stress you accumulate during your work.

Relaxation techniques and exercises can also be useful for self-care. Meditation, yoga and reiki not only allow you to relax, but also to center yourself to find your inner balance. You learn to breathe more efficiently and to adjust your internal flow of energy to feel more grounded.

The Physical Exercise not only helps you burn calories, but also to release frustration. Exercising is one of the best ways to release the tension that accumulates in the muscles. Releasing this tension at the cellular level can prevent chronic diseases and improve cardiovascular and pulmonary health.

Dangers of not taking enough time for yourself

Healthcare staff who do not take care of their own mental health may begin to experience burnout over time. They may start to feel more fatigued and aches and pains take longer to go away. Caregivers who do not take enough time to care for themselves may begin to experience more chronic illnesses. Stress can cause high blood pressure, headaches and tension in the neck and shoulders.

Another pitfall for the mental health of healthcare workers is dependence on drugs and alcohol as a crutch. Although it can be prevented, it can also be the easiest trap to fall into. The more one falls into the downward spiral that often accompanies drug or alcohol addiction, the harder it will be to find a way out. The key is to find ways to cope that do not involve drugs or alcohol.

Conclusions

As a healthcare worker, if you want to be effective in caring for others, you must first prioritize taking care of your physical and mental health. Your patients should always be your top priority, but if you do not care for yourself, you will not be able to give them your 100%. Your mental health is a safety issue for you and your patients.

References

• Journals.healio.com – Drug Abuse: A Self-Care Deficit
• Sasheducationcampus.net – In Pursuit of Wellness: The Self-Care Imperative
• Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – Risk factors for alcohol and other drug use by healthcare professionals
• Usdoj.gov – Drug Addiction in Healthcare Professionals
• Samhsa.gov – Frequently Asked Questions
• Sunshinebehavioralhealth.com – Non-12-Step Rehab Programs
• Labblog.uofmhealth.org – Signs and Symptoms of Addiction in Medical Professionals

If you liked this post about the mental health of healthcare workers, we recommend you take a look at these posts:

“This article has been translated. Link to the original article in Spanish:”
La salud mental de los trabajadores sanitarios