Being Aware of Your Own Mental Health
No matter where we work, in our positions as nurses, the effects of what we experience in the field have an impact on our day-to-day life.
As nurses, we take on a lot of responsibility while dealing with burnout, depression, and anxiety at work and in our lives. Healthcare workers are feeling stress at every turn. We are like a well-oiled machine that's not getting its needed maintenance, which is detrimental to all aspects of our lives. In our personal lives, this can lead to breaking down or lashing out without warning when interacting with those around us. Here are some key factors to consider when confronting your mental wellbeing.
Consider Your Mind.
The reality is that we deal with a lot: patients, coworkers, home life, and anything in between. Our mind starts to become overloaded with thoughts, making it difficult to think clearly and focus. This leads to a battle in our minds with our thoughts running rampant and, of course, in our profession, we don't want that. Consider your mind and all that you have going on. You're dealing with a sick patient and their family. Financial issues might be creeping in the back of your mind after the loss of your partner.
Managing this may be as simple as finding time in the morning or night to grab a cup of tea and sit down. Taking time for yourself could also be taking a walk or getting some rest - we know it's easier said than done. However, we can make the most of even a few free minutes to make a change. Being mindful of what's going on in your body and giving your brain a quick reboot can help clear your thoughts and improve your mood.
Know Your Actions.
Do you find yourself lashing out at everything? It's normal to feel frustrated, stressed, and even drained in any industry. It just so happens that nursing is mentally relentless, making you experience these emotions every day and hour. The loss of a patient back to back. The frustration of doing everything you can and having it still not being enough. You feel hurt, lost, or defeated. It's a rollercoaster, but you still have to pick yourself up and do it all again. A person's psychological limits can only be pushed so far. Know if your reactions are things you would normally do or if you may be experiencing emotional burnout. Take the needed steps to assess your actions. Breathe. Speak with those closest to you about how you are feeling. Don’t be afraid to take a day for yourself.
Self-care is key when processing these emotions and accepting them. The best way to be aware of your actions and change them is through a support network. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals. Having a community of individuals who have experienced the sorrow of losing a patient or the stress of an overwhelming work environment will make it easier for you to express those difficult emotions.
Be Proactive.
Health is mind and body. Mental health and physical health go hand in hand. We all need to be proactive and take care of our mental health just as much as our physical health. Don’t wait until you need help, and your mental wellness is interfering with how you're functioning. Reach out to your friends, family, or supervisors. You are not alone.
As caregivers, we are at high risk for mental health issues. Taking a step back and observing your thoughts and feelings as they unfold will allow you to take the first steps to put your mental wellbeing first. Care for ourselves first before we can care for others and get the most out of life.