According to SAMHSA.gov, mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices.
Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood and behavior could be affected.
Look out for these symptoms in yourself and others:
"Regular mental health checks are important because many of the symptoms of depression or anxiety disorders come on so gradually that you might not be aware how much the condition is affecting your daily life," explains Liz Ferron, senior consultant for VITAL WorkLife.
VITAL WorkLife offers a suite of well-being solutions designed exclusively for healthcare teams. With almost 20 years of experience delivering sought-after solutions, we’re your expert guide to achieving greater productivity, retention and greater work and life fulfillment for your care teams.
The stigma surrounding mental health can be especially challenging for physicians who seek support. The very nature of their profession, which requires them to constantly care for others, can make it difficult for them to prioritize their own well-being. This can lead to feelings of guilt or shame, making it even harder to seek help. There is a fear of being seen as weak or incompetent by colleagues or patients, which can further discourage physicians from seeking the support they need. and as if that is not enough, there is also the fear of undue repercussions to their medical license.
Despite these challenges, it's important for physicians to prioritize their mental health, and to know that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Download our article, Physicians and their Experience with the Stigma for Seeking Help.
The Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act aims to prevent suicide, burnout and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals—all serious concerns that have been intensified by the pandemic. The goal is to remove barriers, such as stigma and fear of jeopardizing their career, for physicians seeking help. Read More >
For some, these difficulties have been traumatic. The trauma may be caused by one or more significant incidents that commonly lead to emotional or psychological duress, and for others the accumulated impact of these incidents. Experiencing trauma can lead to mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug use, as well as impacting their relationships at work and home. Some have been led to consider a career change as a way to avoid the difficult feelings associated with practice.
Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is a theory that explains a kind of positive change after living through trauma. It was developed by psychologists Richard Tedeschi, PhD, and Lawrence Calhoun, PhD, in the mid-1990s, and holds that those who endure psychological struggle following adversity can actually see positive growth afterward. For many people who have survived a trauma they find positive changes such as a new appreciation for life, a newfound sense of personal strength and a new focus on helping others.
Post-traumatic growth (PTG) has been found to have several positive impacts on mental health. Those who have experienced trauma and undergone PTG often report a sense of increased resilience and personal strength. This newfound strength helps them to cope better with future challenges and reduces the likelihood of developing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
By focusing on these positive changes, those who have experienced trauma can find new meaning and purpose in their lives, leading to better mental health outcomes.
Recognizing an employee suffering from a mental health disorder can be difficult, especially given the absence of physical or visual symptoms. In most cases you might not notice a concern until an employee exhibits problems focusing and their productivity starts to suffer. If you do spot signs early, you may be able to help an employee seek support and avoid disability leave.
In addition to the resources available to all employees and family members, VITAL WorkLife offers resources to assist managers and supervisors in their role, including a Resource Site which includes training and educational tools, engagement kits, program information and more. Managers and supervisors can also speak with one of our senior consultants for expert advice to address concerns or issues. Contact us online to learn more!
There are numerous ways that employers can support mental health in the workplace. One of the most important is to create a culture of openness and acceptance around mental health issues, so that employees feel comfortable discussing any concerns they may have. This can be achieved through training and educational programs for managers and supervisors, as well as through regular communication with employees about mental health resources and support.
Employers can also provide access to mental health services, such as counseling or therapy, through an employee assistance program. In addition, offering flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible scheduling, can help employees manage their mental health by reducing stress and allowing them to better balance work and personal responsibilities.
Employers can promote mental well-being by encouraging healthy habits and offering well-being programs and incentives to create a more positive and productive workplace.