Being a nurse is absolutely something a person should be proud of. Not everyone has what it takes to make it through nursing school. And most importantly, nurses are often key players when caring for patients in a hospital or clinic setting. Nursing is a profession that deserves the utmost respect. Unfortunately, not all work environments nurture nurses the way they should.
Even before the pandemic, mental health issues were already rampant in the profession. What mental health problems do nurses go through? What are the causes, signs, and symptoms? And is there a way to strengthen and promote well-being and mental health for nurses? Let’s find out together.
Understanding Nursing
Nursing requires four years of education, including clinical practice and training. All nurses must pass comprehensive licensing exams and follow a code of ethics. Moreover, you can choose among the nursing specialties to become the kind of nurse you want to be. You can work with mental health nurses, cardiac nurses, ER nurses, and more!
Regardless of the specialty, generally, nurses are masters of the following duties and more:
- Conducting physical exams
- Taking detailed health care histories
- Listening to patients and analyzing their needs
- Providing health care education
- Coordinating care with doctors and other healthcare specialists
- Staying updated about advances in healthcare
- Drawing blood
- Performing health-related testing
- Checking a patient’s vital signs
Nurses can work in hospitals, clinics, offices, and even at home. And if you ask a nurse why they chose their profession, the answer is often simple: to save lives. Nursing is truly an honorable profession. However, with its rewards comes the demand for physical and mental labor.
Mental Health Problems of Nurses
Nurses nurture and care for their patients. And because of several factors, they often end up forgetting to take care of themselves. The mental hardships of being a nurse can be grueling. If you’re a nurse, you may be at risk of mental health problems such as:
High Levels of Stress
All types of jobs can be stressful, but nursing is particularly demanding. With long hours, the mental and physical demands of the job can cause tremendous stress.
Anxiety
Anxiety related to the job can manifest itself in various forms. It can range from feeling anxious during a critical situation to chronic mental exhaustion and burnout.
Burnout
Burnout happens when professionals feel exhausted and drained, both mentally and physically. When nurses experience burnout, they may be less efficient with their duties and prone to making more mistakes.
Depression
Depression is a mental health problem that can happen when nurses feel overwhelmed by the demands of their job. Symptoms of depression include changes in sleeping and eating patterns, a lack of energy, and hopelessness.
Compassion Fatigue
Lastly, nurses can suffer from compassion fatigue. This mental health issue is characterized by physical, mental, and spiritual exhaustion. When you feel the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of helping others, it can lead to distress deterioration.
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Problems in Nurses
You may be able to spot some of the signs and symptoms below in yourself. Mental health issues in nurses can present themselves as:
- Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and exhausted
- Mood swings, with feelings of anger and irritability
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Denial or numbness
- Loss of motivation and energy
- Sleeplessness and nightmares
- Appetite loss
- Difficulty in concentration
- Concentration Difficulty
- Cynicism
- Alcohol, tobacco, or drug use
What Are the Causes of Mental Health Problems in Nursing?
If nursing is such an honorable profession, why do mental health problems arise in the first place? The mental burden of nursing can come from several sources, primarily the system’s mistakes. Some causes include:
Work Overload
Nurses are expected to provide care for an unreasonable amount of patients. Having too many tasks can lead to mental exhaustion and distress.
Constant Time Pressure
Time pressure is prevalent in nursing. Nurses need to be quick, efficient, and accurate with their work. But this mental burden can leave them feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
Lack of Social Support
When nurses don’t have support, especially from the higher-ups, they can feel helpless and frustrated. This lack of social support can lead to the abovementioned mental health issues.
Work-Related Violence
Anything can happen in a hospital setting. Nurses can experience physical and mental abuse from their coworkers or even from patients. This possibility can further aggravate mental health problems.
Sleep Deprivation
Perhaps the most common issue among nurses is sleep deprivation. Long hours and the mental strain of their job can make it difficult for nurses to get enough rest every day. And without enough rest, mental health problems can worsen.
Role Ambiguity
Due to the ever-changing environment, nurses experience role ambiguity. This mental burden can cause confusion, anxiety, and mental fatigue.
Difficult and Deathly Ill Patients
A sad part of the job is witnessing death and serious illnesses. It’s a natural part of the nursing profession, but it doesn’t change the fact that it can be emotionally taxing. Nurses often take care of patients who eventually pass away, which can affect mental health and reduce morale.
Lack of Career Development Options
Lastly, there are limited career development options for nurses. If they don’t have a chance to develop professionally, mental health issues can arise due to stagnation and boredom. There are promotion opportunities, but these are often few and far between.
How To Strengthen Your Mental Health as a Nurse
It’s frustrating how this crisis has been around for generations, but mental health issues in nurses have yet to be appropriately addressed. While the system works on this, here are some practical steps you can take to stay mentally healthy:
Take Regular Breaks
Whenever you have a chance, take some time to rest and relax. A mental break can help you recharge your mental and physical energy. Any minute you can spare will make a difference.
Keep a Healthy Diet
It might be hard to find time to eat well, but still, try to include healthy options in your diet. A balanced diet can give you more energy and mental clarity. Eat fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to stay in your best mental state.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Again, it might be hard to get enough sleep when you’re on the job, but make sure to catch up on your z’s by sleeping in during your time off. Sleep is vital for mental health and cognitive function.
Allot Time for Exercise
Besides sleeping on your days off, make time for regular exercise. Exercise can help manage mental and physical health. It’s been proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote mental clarity.
Meditate
Mindfulness can help strengthen your mental resilience. Practice meditation. Just a few minutes of it can be a great way to relax and reset! Try yoga, tai chi, or other calming activities to help.
Make Time for Your Hobbies
Find time to do activities that you enjoy. Whether reading books, playing an instrument, or watching your favorite shows, indulge in activities that make you happy! It can help reduce mental fatigue and give you a break from work.
Limit Social Media Exposure
Another crucial mental health tip is to limit your exposure to social media. Too much time spent online can lead to mental exhaustion, so it’s best to set boundaries. Reconnect with people in person instead of interacting with them online on your days off.
Talk to Other People
Expressing your thoughts and emotions can help you feel less burdened. Talking to someone about your mental health issues can open more doors to mental health resilience. You don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to your family and friends for support!
Seek Professional Help
Lastly, consider seeking professional help. It’s hard to take mental health issues seriously, especially when you’re always busy. But remember, as a nurse, you deserve the same care you give to others. Mental health professionals can provide tools and techniques to strengthen your mental resilience.
Conclusion
Some people forget that nurses also need mental health care. As much as nurses are heroes for their demanding job, you’re also human. Having knowledge of mental health issues and ways to cope with them is an excellent step toward mental resilience. It’s an uphill battle, but your mental well-being should always be the priority. Let’s work together to ensure the mental health problems of nurses get the attention they deserve.