Mental health is a factor in workplace performance that's overlooked and undervalued. Healthcare professionals are especially vulnerable to mental health problems (and they're not alone), as they are frequently exposed to traumatic events, lack of work-life balance, and excessive workload. But it's time to change this! While your situation could be hard to improve immediately, there are some steps you can implement to have better mental healthand that will make working in healthcare much easier for everyone involved.
How do you recognize workplace depression?
Work ethic is good, but we often confuse it with overwork. Going the extra mile is the way to go, but when the going gets tough, consider taking a break. With healthcare professionals, hectic lifestyles, it's easy to get demotivated and stressed, but the solution is as simple as making time for yourself. So, use your leaves and take some time to cool down. Use this time to introspect and assess your situation to find ways to feel better at work. If you can't think of anything or the time off seems pointless, follow the following tip.
Having a few co-workers, you know you can confide in is extremely important. Your co-workers know what you go through every day better than anyone else and can empathize with your worries and anxieties. When you can turn to them in times of pressure, you can feel more supported. Having someone you can rely on who understands your situation can help you perform better and develop better relationships in the workplace. So take the reins of your healthcare professional life and take the initiative to build a good relationship with your team and stay connected with them. Working together can take the pressure off you and help you feel relaxed. Here are a few ways to do this:
Schedule regular catchups.
Use the time saved in commuting to bond with the team.
Calls > Emails
Today, many people think that workaholism is a good thing, but it is a major cause of stress in the workplace and can affect your personal life as well especially if you are a clinician. Being a workaholic can lead to burnout, reduced productivity, lack of focus, and poor quality of life, among other detrimental effects. It may work today, but in the long run, being a workaholic is counterproductive. Here are some ways to get rid of workaholism:
Follow a strict work schedule.
Make time for your personal life.
Develop work-life balance.
Take regular breaks throughout the day.
Eat Healthy and Relax
By practicing self-care as a healthcare worker, you can make time for things that make you happy and help you relax, further improving your mental health. Setting aside an hour for yourself can help you reduce stress levels and feel energized and self-aware. The trick is to find an activity that helps you de-stress and makes you feel healthy. Some self-care ideas to explore are:
Take up a long-lost hobby.
Exercises.
Plant and grow plants.
Write down your thoughts.
Think.
Read an hour a day.
Cook your favorite meal.
Have your favorite drink.
Self-care may sound like a simple idea, but it can help you improve your health, boost your self-esteem, reduce anxiety and stress, and pave the way for a better life.
Last but not the least, if all else fails, and if you continue to feel burned out and worried about work, consider seeing a therapist. With therapy, you can identify the root cause of workplace stress and treat it well. You may consider seeing a therapist or using online consultations through portals such as DirectShifts.
Depression can be difficult to recognize and even harder to treat, especially in professional settings. But by improving healthcare employees' mental health, employers and employees alike will reap the rewards of a happier and more productive workforce.
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