Working as a nurse in the care industry, the individual plays a vital role in caring for the physical and mental health of the patients. However, one of the most hit topics of the discussion is the mental health challenges faced by the nurses. Various studies have been conducted on this discussion, yet no notice is taken. The demands of the job are itself a challenge. The nurses experience mental issues like anxiety, depression, burnout, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
In this blog, we will explore some of the mental health challenges faced by nurses and provide you with tips for overcoming these challenges.
Identifying The Mental Health Challenges
The early identification of mental health challenges must be taken into notice by both the organization’s administration and caregivers. If you are a student, talk about this sensitive topic. Research and write about it. Later you can publish your work in journals by asking help from services like Scopus Journal Publication Service or journal publication services.
Some of the common signs that should be noticed are:
Mood Swings
If colleagues observe that a consistently working person is sad or prefers staying alone, this means that the person is facing some difficult situation. Some of the signs include irritability and changes in mood.
Changes In Behavior
A change in eating and sleeping patterns is something that grabs the attention of the people around you. For instance, if you have been working in a hospital with the same team for a long time. It is certain that if you are facing any disorder, they will notice it through your sleeping pattern and changes in eating habits. You are educated enough about these symptoms. Therefore, take those as alarming signs and work on them.
Cognitive And Physical Symptoms
Confusion, memory loss, or difficulty concentrating on work are some of the symptoms that healthcare workers often face. These should be taken into account, and some work should be done to overcome these challenges.
Additionally, some nurses have even reported complaints of pains in different parts of the body, fatigue, or changes in weight reflected on the scale. These individuals are appointed to take care of the patients. If they are physically and mentally unhealthy, they won’t be able to perform well and fulfil their job description.
Strategies To Overcome These Challenges
The identification and solving of the mental health challenges is pivotal. The team has a direct impact on the day-to-day services, helping the patients to overcome their sickness. Therefore, nurses need to prioritize their mental and physical health. They can approach places like research consultancy or libraries. Learn some of the ways to overcome these challenges. Some steps that can be taken to eliminate these challenges are:
Seeking Help
One of the most initial yet fruitful steps you can take to navigate mental and physical health challenges is talking to your team and asking them to support you. You can choose a trusted colleague, seek counseling, or book an appointment with a mental health professional working in the office. Many healthcare organizations have a team of mental professionals to solve the problems of those working and serving the patient. Some organizations have assistance programs that provide counseling and support services to employees.
Allocate Me-Time
Getting in the habit of practicing self-care is one of the most important aspects of maintaining good mental health. Nurses should promote time for themselves. They should involve themselves in activities like exercises, meditation, and hobbies. These activities will help them to release stress. They can relax, gain energy to return to work with a fresh mind, and cope with their job description. Studies have proven that those nurses who dedicate some of their time from their busy schedules to themselves perform well.
Setting A Balance Between Work And Life
We all know, working as a nurse or any health care employee is a tough job. Simply, you might get stuck between the demands of the jobs. This results in neglecting your needs. A person can overcome such situations by setting boundaries and prioritizing their well-being. You should get enough confidence that you can say no to things sometimes. For instance, if the head of the department asks you for extra shifts, it is a good idea to accept them. However, doing this daily will affect your health and well-being. Learn the technique to assign those tasks to other colleagues and take time off when you think you are exhausted. Always remember, your role is to take care of the patients. When you are not physically or mentally healthy, your performance will be affected.
Building Healthy Connections
Working in a healthcare organization does not mean that you isolate yourself. You should stay connected with your previous workplace colleagues, your team members from your recent job, and your friends. Your socializing and hanging out with them will bring some change to your daily routine. Talk to them on social media and make plans to meet each other. The social support you receive when connecting with them will help you cope with stress. You will feel less isolated and overwhelmed. In the same way, your family will play the same role. After a tiring day, when you go home, sit with them at the dining table. Discuss those things that are apart from your job. You will learn about the things going on in your surroundings. You can sit back and enjoy your remaining day watching a movie or doing something that makes you happy.
Enroll Yourself In Development Programs
Employers of the healthcare industry should enroll themselves in the training sessions going around them. These can include mental health awareness programs, stress management workshops, and training to identify the symptoms at an early age. Taking advantage of these opportunities will help in developing skills and knowledge. These will help in coping with any situation and add something new to resumes.
The Final Comment
Dealing with the mental health challenges in the nursing profession requires patience, empathy, and an approach. The mental and physical health must be prioritized.
Opt for strategies like seeking support, practising self-care, and setting boundaries to maintain your health. When you will be healthy, you will serve your patients well. Moreover, you can enroll yourself in the workshops and training programs around you to learn how to handle any situation.