Mental Health and Coping Strategies for RNs Under Stress

In the face of the exhaustion, fear, and uncertainty that surfaces during traumatic times, it’s normal not to be okay.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Let's acknowledge that it’s human to experience feelings of hopelessness, fear, and frustration - especially in the healthcare field - and it’s important to arm yourself with tools and practices that can help you resist succumbing to the negativity.

5 Strategies for Protecting Your Mental Health During Extremely Stressful Times

#1 - Maintain your relationships.

It’s easy to close yourself off from others when you’re feeling down. Sometimes interacting with others feels exhausting, you worry you’ll bring others down with you, or that they won’t understand your feelings. Try not to indulge these fears. Reach out to the people you love. Tell them how you’re really feeling. Be vulnerable. Oftentimes just voicing your fears and struggles can make them feel more manageable. Btw, remember that your travel nursing recruiter is here for you. There's a friendly, non-judgmental soul on the other end of the line.

#2 - Eat well, exercise frequently, and sleep enough.

This one is a three-fer because we know you’ve heard all of this before. When life is overwhelming, people tend to reach for pre-packaged junk food and skimp on exercise and sleep. We get it. We all do it. But especially when you’re feeling on edge, it’s important to put healthy, wholesome food into your body. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes per day, even if that’s just taking a walk around the neighborhood or the hospital campus. A little sunshine and those exercise endorphins can help you manage your negative feelings. Likewise, sleep is vitally important. Sleep helps stabilize your moods, equipping you to better handle the stresses, challenges, and heartbreaks you might face each day.

#3 - Spend time doing the simple things you enjoy.

Try to carve out some time each week for leisure activities. Snuggle your pet. Take a bubble bath. Tend your garden. Cook a decadent meal. If you find that you never quite have the time, consider scheduling the time in advance so that as obligations fill your schedule, you still prioritize this “you” time.

#4 - Extend yourself grace.

These are unprecedented times in so many ways. It’s easy to hold yourself to standards that are impractical in the face of our current reality. You’re not going to be the perfect nurse, parent, partner, housekeeper, neighbor, child, sibling, caretaker, provider, or whatever other role you play every day throughout this pandemic. Even on the days you are, bad things might happen that aren’t your fault. Remember to cut yourself slack. You’re doing the best you can.

#5 - Ask for help.

There is no shame in seeking help from a mental health professional if you are struggling. Consider scheduling a session with a therapist in your area - most of whom are now offering video counseling. Alternatively, consider one of the several well-reviewed mobile apps that connects you with licensed therapists. Talkspace and betterhelp are even offering free or discounted therapy for healthcare workers.

Important Reminders

It is human to have challenging seasons of life, and nursing has plenty of challenges built-in. It’s normal to be struggling with your mental health at times.
It’s easy to write off self-care with valid excuses. If you struggle to care for yourself for your own sake, consider the fact that the best “you” will be the best suited to continue to care for patients and deal with whatever challenges a new day brings.