Honoring Mental Health Workers During Times of Crisis

COVID-19 has taken over our lives in many ways. It poses a serious risk to the physical health of our most vulnerable people as we are asked to change our daily routines and how we interact with other people.

While physical health is at the forefront of this crisis, what is not always acknowledged is the mental health impact. Any type of crisis situation, from a pandemic to a natural disaster, can cause serious harm to both those people with mental illness and those who have never been diagnosed.

Even when the risks of a crisis are actually low for most people, the fear and especially the uncertainty can become overwhelming. We thrive in certainty, knowing what to expect, and face fear, stress, and anxiety when it becomes unclear what will happen next.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly everyone affected by an emergency, widespread crisis, or disaster will go through some type and degree of psychological distress. It’s during these times that we need mental health workers more than ever.

It’s important to realize that anyone can struggle with mental health during difficult times, including mental health workers. While they are working hard to keep everyone else healthy, they also suffer and may have a hard time coping. They may put all their focus on patients and fail to give enough attention to their own mental health.

One of the biggest risks of working in mental health is burnout. During a crisis, burning out and getting so-called compassion fatigue may be more likely and more intense. Studies of mental health caregivers during normal times have found that burnout and emotional exhaustion are common, occurring in 50 percent or more of workers.

The ripple effects of this burnout include poor physical health, mental health symptoms and conditions like depression, and of course a diminished ability to do the important job of caring for others.

So how can everyone honor and support mental health care professionals? By showing gratitude, raising awareness, being part of their social support network, and other steps that let them know they are needed and appreciated during this difficult time.

The simplest way to honor the therapists and other health care workers in your life is to express gratitude. This can be as simple as saying thank you, telling them that you are grateful for their services and expertise, and that you appreciate them. Say it in person if possible or make a phone call or send a card.

All types of healthcare workers are at risk of burnout. They spend so much of their time caring for others, and this can become overwhelming, especially during times of widespread crisis. Studies show that gratitude is good for mental health. Expressing how grateful you are for health care workers will improve your own mental health and also theirs. They will feel buoyed by your support and appreciation, knowing that their work is meaningful and has a positive impact.

Personal gratitude is a great way to help support and honor the mental health workers in your life, but you can take it one step further. Raise awareness for what they do, how important they are in times of crisis, and that they need support from everyone to maintain their own health.

During a crisis that requires social distancing and quarantine, awareness may take the form of virtual interactions. Give a shout-out to your mental health professionals, and these workers in general, on social media. Share information about mental health during crises and encourage others to take steps to manage their own mental health. In the face of a pandemic and other crises that harm physical health, mental health often takes a back seat. You can support those providing care by helping others see how important their work is now.

If someone you care about, a family member or friend, works in mental health, be there for them now in practical ways. Provide support by assisting in whatever way they need:

• Listening while they vent about difficulties at work or their own feelings
• Helping out with chores around the house, grocery shopping, and anything else that will reduce their daily burdens and stresses
• Chatting with them online or over the phone if physical contact isn’t possible
• Distracting them with lighthearted news, stories, and events from your life

Also take steps to encourage these health care workers in your lives to manage their physical and mental health. If possible, do things together like exercising and meditating. If you can’t be together, help keep each other accountable by discussing daily what you are each doing to maintain good health and practice positive coping strategies for stress and burnout.