On World Mental Health Day 2024, Pooja Lodhi, Psychologist, Mpower talks about the importance of prioritising mental health in the healthcare workforce
As a psychologist working with healthcare professionals, we have seen up close how the demands of their roles affect their mental well-being. The dedication healthcare workers bring to their jobs often means they are under constant pressure to perform at their best. In environments where life-and-death decisions are made daily, the emotional and mental toll is significant. Unfortunately, the mental health of healthcare professionals is often overlooked, even though it is critical not only to their personal well-being but also to the quality of care they provide to patients.
In our experience, the very people who are trained to care for others sometimes forget to care for themselves. Healthcare workers face long hours, emotional exhaustion, and the immense responsibility of patient care. They are expected to remain composed in the most challenging situations, often at the cost of their own mental and emotional health. Their work, while rewarding, is laden with stress and pressure that can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even depression. As someone who has had the privilege of working with these individuals, I feel it is essential to highlight the importance of prioritising mental health in the healthcare workforce.
The emotional burden of healthcare work
One of the most striking aspects of working with healthcare professionals is witnessing the emotional burden they carry. These workers are often the first responders to crises, the ones who break bad news to families, and the people who must stay calm in the face of trauma and loss. While they are trained to handle these situations, the emotional impact can accumulate over time, leading to mental health challenges.
Burnout is something we frequently encounter in healthcare professionals. This state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion is often a result of chronic workplace stress. The effects of burnout are far-reaching, affecting not only the individual but also their ability to care for patients. Healthcare workers experiencing burnout may become detached, lose motivation, and struggle to find meaning in their work. This not only compromises their own health but also diminishes the quality of patient care. When I speak with healthcare professionals, I often hear stories of sleepless nights, unshakable stress, and a lingering sense of inadequacy. The emotional weight of these experiences can be heavy, and without proper support, many find themselves overwhelmed.
How mental health affects patient care
Over time, we have come to understand that the mental health of healthcare professionals is inseparable from the care they provide. Healthcare is a field that demands empathy, focus, and resilience. When professionals are struggling with their own mental health, it becomes harder for them to offer the best care to their patients. They may make mistakes, feel detached, or lose the emotional energy to provide compassionate care.
Mental health issues among healthcare workers are not just personal concerns; they are systemic. When the mental wellness of healthcare providers is compromised, the entire system suffers. Patients may not receive the level of care they deserve, errors can increase, and the overall culture of the workplace can become more strained. It’s a cycle that perpetuates stress and burnout among staff.
As psychologists, we often remind healthcare workers that their mental health is just as important as the physical health of their patients. By taking care of themselves, they ensure that they can continue to take care of others. When healthcare professionals are mentally well, they are more engaged, motivated, and capable of handling the many challenges of their work.
Creating a supportive environment for mental health
In this role, psychologists work with healthcare institutions to create environments that support the mental well-being of their workers. It is not enough to simply tell professionals to “take care of themselves.” The system must actively promote mental wellness through tangible support.
Here are a few strategies to advocate:
1. Access to psychological support: Every healthcare professional should have access to counselling services, whether through an in-house psychologist or external resources. Many workers feel isolated in their struggles, but a confidential space to talk about their mental health can be incredibly healing.
2. Mindfulness and stress-reduction practices: Incorporating mindfulness techniques, relaxation exercises, or stress-reduction workshops into the workplace can help professionals manage the stress they face. These practices offer immediate relief in high-stress environments and can be an ongoing source of support.
3. Encouraging work-life balance: One of the most crucial aspects of mental health is maintaining a balance between work and personal life. In healthcare, this can be difficult given the long hours and intensity of the job. However, encouraging staff to take regular breaks, ensuring adequate time off, and promoting a culture where mental health days are respected can make a difference.
4. Creating peer support networks: We’ve found that healthcare professionals often benefit from talking to their colleagues about shared experiences. Peer support groups, whether formal or informal, provide a space for workers to express their feelings and share coping strategies with others who understand the pressures they face.
5. Leadership involvement: In my personal journey as a psychologist working within the healthcare system, I’ve been fortunate to have an incredibly supportive leader, my manager, Shruti Padhaye. Shruti exemplifies the importance of leadership in mental health by being a constant source of encouragement and guidance. She not only advocates for mental wellness but also models it through her actions. Whether it’s encouraging work-life balance, creating a safe space for team members to voice their concerns, or being a role model of emotional resilience, Shruti’s leadership has been pivotal in fostering a positive work environment. Having such a leader has made a profound difference in my own well-being and performance. When healthcare leaders actively prioritise mental health, it sets a positive example for everyone in the team, making it easier for professionals to seek help when needed.
The role of emotional intelligence
Empathy and emotional intelligence are core components of healthcare. The most effective healthcare professionals are those who not only possess clinical skills but also the ability to connect emotionally with their patients. However, emotional intelligence can be draining when constantly required. Healthcare professionals must learn how to manage their emotional labor, balancing compassion with self-preservation.
Training in emotional intelligence and resilience-building can help healthcare workers navigate the emotional complexities of their work without becoming overwhelmed. It’s about finding that balance between caring for others and taking care of oneself.
Conclusion: Taking care of the caregivers
The narrative around healthcare professionals and mental health needs to be shifted. The care they provide is invaluable, but their own well-being is equally important. We need to recognize that healthcare workers are human—they feel stress, they experience loss, and they need support.
By investing in the mental health and wellness of healthcare professionals, we create a healthier, more effective system for everyone. After all, caregivers cannot pour from an empty cup. When healthcare professionals are cared for, they can continue to provide the compassionate, high-quality care that their patients deserve.
Mental health is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Let’s ensure that the individuals who dedicate their lives to healing others are also given the space and resources to heal themselves.
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