04/12/2023
DID YOU KNOW that healthcare workers are MORE likely to have mental health problems than the average person (CDC, 2023).
Working conditions have always been challenging for healthcare workers, even before the pandemic. Work in healthcare often involves:
🩹Intensely stressful and emotional situations in caring for those who are sick
🩹Exposure to human suffering and death
🩹Unique pressures from relationships with the patient, family members, and co-workers
🩹Working conditions with ongoing risk for hazardous exposures to infectious diseases, hazardous drugs, etc.
🩹Demanding physical work and risk of injuries such as from patient handling
🩹Long and often unpredictable scheduled hours of work. This is often related to as-needed scheduling, staff shortages, unexpected double shifts, and unpredictable intensity of on-call work.
Many healthcare workers place the well-being of others before self. On the surface, this dedication to patients may seem admirable. However, it can ultimately be harmful if it delays or prevents workers from getting the help that they need for their own health and well-being.
TODAY, WE REMIND YOU TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. Reprioritize your life and create time for you to refill and recharge. Don’t allow the pressures of the healthcare field to rule your mind & body - take ownership in understanding a simple yet often disregarded concept: you can’t pour from an empty cup.