Healthcare workers may experience significant stress and pressure on the job. Many individuals in healthcare experience burnout due to ongoing work-related stress. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Nearly half of health workers (46%) reported often feeling burned out in 2022, up from 32% in 2018.” Chronic stress and emotional burnout contribute to the development of mental health disorders. Driftwood Recovery protects staff members by ensuring they have the resources to address any potential mental health disorder or concern related to overall wellness.
Healthcare Workers Have an Increased Risk of Mental Health Issues
Individuals working in healthcare have an increased risk of mental health issues due to stressors within the workplace, including long hours, heavy workloads, and exposure to traumatic or emotionally upsetting events. Many people feel socially isolated, emotionally burnt out, and overwhelmed by career expectations. In addition, healthcare workers interact daily with individuals experiencing physical or mental health distress. The emotional toll may cause people to struggle with everyday activities and personal responsibilities.
A few other potential causes of mental health disorders include:
- Interpersonal conflict
- Chronic health issues
- Genetic predisposition
- Trauma or abuse
- Major life changes
- Financial distress
- Lack of social support
- Poor work-life balance
- Environmental factors
Most people who develop mental health disorders have multiple factors impacting their ability to manage stress and maintain emotional stability. Some healthcare workers find it difficult to reach out for help if they begin to struggle. According to the Medical Clinics of North America, “A high proportion of health professionals (HPs) neglect their self-care [. . .] and, consequently, find it difficult to ask for help when their distress results in a mental disorder.” Many people are not sure how to recognize if they have a mental health disorder.
What Are the Primary Warning Signs of a Mental Health Disorder?
Knowing the potential warning signs of a mental health disorder can ensure healthcare workers seek help if they notice changes in thoughts or behavior. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Mental illnesses are disorders, ranging from mild to severe, that affect a person’s thinking, mood, and/or behavior.”
The signs of mental health disorders look very different from person to person. However, some of the most common warning signs include:
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Memory issues
- Unusual irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anxiety
- Depressive episodes
- Emotional numbness or feeling disconnected from others
- Feeling hopeless
- Dissociative episodes
Healthcare workers may face additional scrutiny and stigmas. The general public generally does not think about the mental health of the individuals responsible for providing physical and psychological treatment. It may not occur to some people that their therapist or doctor may struggle to emotionally process difficult or traumatic events they experience, witness, or hear about at work. In addition, healthcare workers often feel concerned for their careers and may avoid getting help if they fear how it may impact their financial security.
The Risk of Developing a Mental Health Disorder
Anyone can develop a mental health disorder. Healthcare workers and others working in high-demand environments have an increased risk of being diagnosed with a mental health disorder. The pressure to provide continuous, high-quality care in stressful situations may cause healthcare workers to become anxious or depressed. Healthcare workers may struggle to set clear boundaries to protect them against emotional burnout and other factors that contribute to the development of mental health disorders. A healthy work-life balance is the best way to decrease the risk of mental health disorders.
How to Avoid a Mental Health Disorder
Preventative measures may help people avoid mental health disorders. Some actions people take to improve overall health and wellness include:
- Prioritizing self-care
- Practice gratitude and maintain positivity
- Avoiding alcohol and other substances
- Setting realistic personal and professional goals
- Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and other healthy routines
- Creating a solid support system
- Practicing mindfulness in everyday activities
Individuals with more risk factors may require additional preventative measures to protect their mental health. Driftwood Recovery supports each staff member to ensure they feel comfortable maintaining positive mental health, including setting healthy schedules and work boundaries.
Steps Healthcare Workers Take to Protect Their Mental Health
Driftwood Recovery supports staff who want to improve their mental or physical health. Everyone has different needs, and management works with staff members to ensure their needs are met.
A few steps healthcare workers take to stay healthy include:
- Monitoring potential risk factors and addressing them whenever possible (e.g., reducing everyday stressors by practicing meditation)
- Taking every work break
- Seeking professional mental health counseling
- Sharing struggles and concerns with family and friends
Healthcare workers are responsible for providing high-quality, compassionate service to vulnerable individuals. Prioritizing self-care and preventing mental health issues ensures that healthcare workers can provide the best treatment to their clients.
People often have difficulty recognizing the warning signs of mental health disorders and other health issues. An outside perspective can help people identify if they need professional assistance managing their mental health. Depression and other mental health issues are common among healthcare workers. However, the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders may be difficult for people to recognize, even as the side effects interfere with their ability to function. Driftwood Recovery understands the importance of supporting staff who experience mental health symptoms. Healthcare workers deserve to feel valued and heard when they struggle to maintain productivity at work. To learn more about our facility and policies, call us today at (512) 759-8330.