Healthcare workers in the United States face increasing demands, and that added stress is contributing to the decline in their mental health.
Working in healthcare can be extremely challenging and stressful due to long hours, extra shifts, and the emotional toll of losing patients. The long-term effects of stress and trauma that come with the job can dramatically impact their mental health and well-being.
Experiencing stress and trauma over a long period can lead to a range of emotional and behavioral responses, such as anxiety, depression, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches.
These reactions are normal and understandable, given the circumstances. When it begins to affect an individual’s mental health, it’s important to recognize and address these issues, seek support from loved ones or mental health professionals, and practice self-care to manage the effects of cumulative stress and trauma.
“Healthcare workers may endure challenging and stressful work environments that can negatively impact their well-being and mental health. Those who commit their own lives to support wellness for others are not immune to the emotional toll their work can take, and it is through active practices of resilience skills that they can maintain their own health and continue their passion to serve others,” said Dr. Greg Tierney, Vice President of Clinical Operations for Rosecrance Behavioral Health.
To continue to support those who are often there during a health-related need, Rosecrance Behavioral Health offers outpatient and residential treatment that is designed with healthcare workers in mind. The expanded program supports common needs among veterans and other frontline workers and addresses co-occurring disorders such as substance use, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
To learn more about Rosecrance Behavioral Health’s robust Resilience Program, call 888.928.5278.