Mental Health Awareness
In the demanding and emotionally charged field of nursing, practitioners have to engage in mental selfcare before they can provide optimal care to patients.
Nurses face unique stressors, including long shifts, high patient volumes and emotionally challenging situations, making it essential to develop coping strategies and access support resources.
While the COVID-19 pandemic introduced new and unique stressors to the nursing field, there is evidence that there has been minimal recovery, even with the industry talking about the importance of mental health care for nurses.
In a survey by Trusted Health, it was found that since the COVID-19 pandemic began, 75% of nurses experienced burnout, 68% have had compassion fatigue toward their patients, 64% have experienced depression, 64% have had declining physical health and 50% have experienced feelings of trauma, extreme stress or PTSD.
Acknowledging and validating one’s emotions is a fundamental step in promoting mental health awareness among nurses. It’s normal to experience stress, compassion fatigue and burnout in this profession, and suppressing these feelings can exacerbate their effect. Nurses should feel empowered to express their emotions openly, whether through peer support groups, counseling services or reflective journaling.
Fostering a culture of selfcare within nursing environments is essential for promoting mental well-being. Nurses often prioritize the needs of others over their own, leading to neglect of their physical and emotional health. Encouraging regular breaks, mindfulness exercises and relaxation techniques can help nurses recharge and prevent burnout. Additionally, promoting healthy lifestyle habits such as exercise, nutrition and adequate sleep can enhance resilience and coping abilities.
Developing strong support networks is another vital aspect of mental health awareness for nurses. Building connections with colleagues, mentors and professional networks provides opportunities for mutual support, sharing experiences and seeking guidance during challenging times. Peer support programs, mentorship initiatives and online forums can facilitate these connections and create a sense of camaraderie among nurses.
Moreover, access to comprehensive mental health support resources make a difference for nurses facing significant stressors or mental health challenges. Health care organizations should prioritize providing confidential counseling services, employee assistance programs and access to mental health professionals trained in addressing the unique needs of nurses.
Nurse Journal maintains a list of mental health resources for nurses including hotlines, courses and organizations that provide support. The list can be found at https://nursejournal.org/resources/nurse-mental-health-resources/
Education and training on stress management, resilience-building and self-care techniques can be integrated into nursing curricula and professional development programs.
Recognizing the importance of mental health awareness, many health care institutions are implementing initiatives to support nurses’ well-being. These initiatives may include regular mental health screenings, wellness workshops and dedicated spaces for relaxation and reflection. By investing in the mental health of their nursing staff, organizations can improve job satisfaction, retention rates and ultimately, patient outcomes.
Together, health care organizations, educators and nursing professionals must continue to advocate for mental health awareness and support within the nursing profession.