Author: Kanwal Fatima MScN student at Aga Khan University. She is also the gold medalist in generic BSN from ziauddin university having vast national and international experience in emergency and critical care nursing.
Working as a critical care nurse can be emotionally challenging due to the nature of the job. It's important to prioritize your mental health to maintain your overall health. According to Amir et al. (2019). The area of health care is demanding, entails a significant degree of responsibility, and exposes workers to both mental and physical risk. Depression, anxiety, burnout syndrome, and, in severe situations, post-traumatic stress disorder can all be brought on by high amounts of stress. Green Ber et al. (2021) discovered a significant prevalence of possible mental health problems and suicidal ideation among ICU workers; these issues were particularly common among nurses. While further research is necessary to determine the true clinical need among ICU staff. Here are some strategies for maintaining your mental health while working in such a demanding environment.
Self-Treatment:
Prioritize self-care. Participate in activities that help you relax and unwind. B. Sports, hobbies, spending time with loved ones, reading, mindfulness, meditation practice. Taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually will help you build resilience.
Find Support:
Find a support system at work and in your personal life. Connect with peers who understand your challenges, listen to you, and offer advice. Talk to friends, family members, and out-of-work therapists who can provide support and perspective.
Establish Boundaries: Set boundaries between work and personal life. It’s crucial to detach from work during your off-duty hours. Engage in activities that help you disconnect and recharge. Avoid bringing work-related stress home and find a healthy work-life balance.
Practice mindfulness by incorporating it into your daily activities. You may stay in the now, manage your stress, and become more self-aware by practicing mindfulness. Deep breathing, meditation, and grounding exercises are all methods that can be helpful both during and after a stressful shift.
Allow yourself some time to think back on your feelings and experiences. You can process the feelings that come with your job by writing in a journal or talking to someone about them. Clarity and coping mechanisms may both be gained through reflecting on your experiences.
Find Meaning and Purpose: Keep in mind the worthwhile work you conduct: Think about the difference you make in people’s lives and the gratification that comes from helping them when they need it most. Maintaining your motivation can be aided by connecting with the reason for your job.
Being emotionally healthy does not mean a nurse doesn’t have emotions but it’s all about to learn that how to navigate your emotions. Taking care of your emotional health is not only essential for your well-being but also for your family It allows you to provide the best possible care for your patients. Being a human being it’s difficult to cope with the situations we face during our daily routine. So prioritize yourself and seek support when needed.
REFERENCES:
Ø Vahedian-Azimi, A., Hajiesmaeili, M., Kangasniemi, M., Fornés-Vives, J., Hunsucker, R. L., Rahimibashar, F., Pourhoseingholi, M. A., Farrokhvar, L., & Miller, A. C. (2019). Effects of Stress on Critical Care Nurses: A National Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of intensive care medicine, 34(4), 311–322. https://doi.org/10.1177/0885066617696853
Ø Greenberg, N., Weston, D., Hall, C., Caulfield, T., Williamson, V., & Fong, K. (2021). Mental health of staff working in intensive care during Covid-19. Occupational medicine (Oxford, England), 71(2), 62–67. https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqaa220
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