MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS
None of us were prepared for the global pandemic we find ourselves in. Healthcare workers show up day after day, putting their health and lives on the line.
I worked in a primary care clinic for almost 8 years as a Case Manager and Behavioral Health Professional. I also worked there for 8 months of the pandemic. Although I have since stepped away from my role there, I was witness to the stress, confusion and burnout among healthcare workers. Co-workers who had previously never experienced mental health concerns, suddenly felt more anxious or depressed.
Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety
It’s common for everyone to feel stressed or sad from time to time. But when certain symptoms linger, you are typically dealing with depression or anxiety. If you’ve never dealt with either before, you may not know the symptoms.
Symptoms of depression include:
- A persistent feeling of sadness
- A lack of energy
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Sleep disruption (either sleeping too much or too little)
- Appetite disruption (eating too much or too little)
- Difficulty focusing
- A loss of enjoyment of previous hobbies or activities
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Symptoms of anxiety include:
- Excessive worry
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Tense muscles
- Panic attacks
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Irrational fears
Is it Time to Seek Therapy?
For many healthcare workers, our time and focus is on how we can help others. The idea of self-care and asking others for help is not something on our radar.
If you are a healthcare worker that is experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, you may find therapy to be helpful. A therapist can offer strategies that will help you cope with your symptoms and deal with underlying emotions.
If you or someone you know would benefit from mental health therapy, please contact me!