A career based on improving others’ well being is undoubtedly rewarding, but it can also take a mental and emotional toll. While many healthcare workers justifiably focus on their patients’ care, they may do so at the expense of their own health.

Here are some ways to improve mental health within the healthcare industry.

Common mental health misconceptions among providers

First, let’s dispel some myths about what mental health care can or “should” look like.

Treatment is only for people with severe mental illness

One of the biggest myths is that receiving treatment, such as therapy, is only designated for those with severe mental health conditions.

While stigma has generally decreased throughout the U.S. over the last couple decades, it still persists and particularly within certain segments of the population. It may seem counterintuitive, but healthcare workers can be particularly hesitant to seek care, as they may feel their concerns pale in comparison to their patients’ more serious physical or mental challenges.

Mental health conditions are obvious to others

Most of us can think of at least one time we’ve seen someone endure a severe mental health crisis. But typically, such struggles are not so apparent.

“You might not see those mental health concerns or disabilities – or abilities – physically, but people are experiencing them regardless, and it does really impact performance, energy and collaboration,” said Paige Rodenberg, a former mental Health professional and current Head of Product Growth at EverHealth.

Work performance is not impacted by mental health challenges

We are used to demarcating between professional versus personal behavior, but oftentimes we don’t see how they impact one another.

In some cases, there is an implication that the less balanced your life, the better employee you are. The time commitment needed for medical residencies, for instance, takes a significant mental and emotional toll, though this has been widely accepted as a necessary precursor to being a doctor. In part to combat this misconception, more teaching schools and medical associations are advocating for limits on how many hours residents can work per week.

Pressures unique to healthcare

Widespread burnout

A recent survey found that half of U.S. healthcare workers met the American Medical Association’s criteria for burnout, which has a range of negative consequences. It impacts personal and professional relationships, as well as overall work performance and focus.

Caring for others at one’s expense

Healthcare workers tend to enter the field to improve others’ lives. While a noble trait, sometimes it results in neglecting their own needs. Research has shown, for example, that nurses often forgo their own needs to tend their patients.

Understaffing

COVID-19 exacerbated already strained healthcare staffing levels, and it still hasn’t fully recovered. Burnout also skyrocketed during the throes of the pandemic, with some leaving the profession for good as a result. About 46% of healthcare workers reported feeling burned out in 2022, up 32% in 2018. The number of respondents getting harassed between those years doubled as well. And it wasn’t just hospitals that faced staffing shortages. Prison facilities, veterans centers and nursing homes all experienced similar challenges.

“Unfortunately, during COVID, burnout and mental health issues rose significantly during that period, and now we are still seeing burnout and loss of clinical staff because of that,” said Tara Cox, a former nurse and current Senior Vice President of Product at EverHealth. “Analysts have said that by 2025, we’ll have well over one million nursing vacancies, and we will still have staff retention concerns.”

How providers can improve mental wellbeing

Prioritize your work

Organizing your workload and implementing daily structure is like working out: you may not look forward to doing it, but it’s undoubtedly better for your mental health in the long run. Figure out what tools, apps or lists help you understand your tasks, ranging from high to low priority. Tackling the highest priority, or most daunting tasks with a measured, intentional approach can ease anxiety.

Foster open dialogue with colleagues

The best way to reduce stigma and improve wellbeing is to foster an environment where people are comfortable sharing the ups and the downs in their lives. Healthcare workers have inherently stressful jobs, and pretending that “everything is fine” will only amplify the negative stereotypes about mental health conditions.

“More education and more awareness around all these problems we’re experiencing will bring more strength in ourselves and also more encouragement to initiate open communication with our family and friends or to seek help from professionals,” said Jingwen Li, a former Occupational Therapist and current Growth Product Manager at EverHealth.

Practice mindfulness

There are many ways you can be more present and therefore, stay in touch with your emotional and physical health. Try to foster daily habits, like meditation, yoga, journaling or even taking walks. These activities don’t have to take up a significant part of your day. In fact, just dedicating a few minutes can yield positive results.

Check in with others

Some people are open about their struggles and others are more guarded, especially when it comes to mental health. Either way, being proactive and showing you care about your coworkers’ wellbeing goes a long way. Pay attention to seemingly small verbal and nonverbal cues, like eye contact or conversational pauses.

“Ask a question, give them time to respond and then have an empathetic tone and look folks in the eye,” Rodenberg said.

Remember, reducing stigma around mental health doesn’t have to involve grand gestures. It can be as simple as asking your coworkers how they are doing and demonstrating that you’re genuinely interested in their response. While healthcare work can be incredibly rewarding, it can also lead to burnout if your own care is not prioritized.