ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – In post-pandemic days, thoughts of COVID-19 are far behind many in the U.S. However healthcare workers across the nation are still affected by the stress induced by the overbearing workload.
New studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed the findings of a report on the mental state of healthcare workers.
The findings determined that workers are facing lower mental health levels than before the pandemic.
Often overlooked for our own health scares, healthcare workers tirelessly keep us safe and healthy. But they are not without their challenges. The findings show that harassment and burnout contribute to the decline in the mental health of workers.
“They’re incredibly resilient as a workforce but at the end of the day, health workers are human,” Casey Chosewood, director of the office for total worker health says. “And they’re telling us as we listen to their stories, that they really can’t do anymore and that we must address the system.”
The study compared self-reported well-being and working conditions for all fields of work, finding from 2018 to 2022 healthcare workers experienced greater mental health declines than other workforces. Leah Scanlan from Rosecrance affiliate Aspen Counseling recommends workers take the time to unplug and disconnect from work during the hours they are off.
“Do some intentional exercises and techniques to really take the focus off the stress that is going on when you have to go back to work,” Scanlan says.
The CDC says improving working conditions is a key component to improving the mental health of workers. It was found that health care providers in a positive environment described lower levels of anxiety, depression and burn out. Surgeon and UW health chief medical officer James Cole says patients being kind to medical staff is one way to help ease some stress.
“We need to destigmatize mental health,” Cole says. “We need to make people feel comfortable talking about it because that will basically make people feel better and will make them live healthier and just make their lives better in general.”
To make working conditions better, the CDC recommends including workers in decision making, build up trust in management and prevent and pay attention to harassment reports. Their website explains sign to look for in co-workers, and self-assessment tips here.
Employers are encouraged by the CDC to take part in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s Total Worker program to learn more about the impact working conditions have on well-being. Check out the link here.
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