Health care professionals in all fields experience higher levels of stress than the average person. Here, three tips for managing mental health.

IN A 2018 REPORT FROM Medscape that surveyed more than 15,000 physicians across 29 specialties, 42% reported burnout. Additionally, 39% reported experiencing depression.

Add in a pandemic and the issues deepen—as does the list of practice concerns for corporate optometrists. What do the new patient care protocols look like? What are changes my retail partner is making? Am I doing enough?

The new normal is in constant flux, most of it out of ECPs’ control, causing stress levels to be at an all-time high.

WHY MENTAL HEALTH?

According to psychotherapist Emily Riegel, LMHC, LPC, Covid-related stress is greatly affecting health care workers’ mental health.

“It’s been associated with increased need for days off from work, depression, sleeplessness, anxiety, substance abuse, compassion fatigue, and an increase in medical errors,” says Riegel. “Now, more than ever, it is important for health care professionals to be intentional about managing their own mental health.”

STRESS MANAGEMENT TIPS

There are simple ways health care pros can reduce stress in the workplace.

Add Some Green.

According to Riegel, plants can have a calming effect on people. Many studies show that employees who have plants in their offices seem to worry less, feel better about their job responsibilities, and take fewer sick leave days. Other research suggests that nature can reduce overstimulation and boost cognitive performance.

Take a Break + Breathe.

Taking stretch or exercise breaks throughout a workday can also help in stress reduction. Along with exercise, “one of the most important and easiest interventions to reduce stress is diaphragmatic breathing or deep, slow breathing,” says Riegel. Deep breathing stimulates the vagus nerve and lowers the stress response or “fight-or-flight” mechanism.

Surround Yourself With Positivity.

Studies have also shown that people who experience more positive emotions have greater ability to quickly recover from stressful situations, have better problem-solving abilities, and have healthier immune systems. “Start by turning off the news in the waiting room and listen to uplifting podcasts more intentional about finding joy,” Riegel recommends.

Although many great resources are available, these may not be enough. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

It is normal to feel overwhelmed during these unprecedented times. Prioritizing your mental health will benefit your patients, your practice, your loved ones and—most important—you. COT!

—Weslie Hamada, O.D., FAAO

WESLIE HAMADA, O.D., FAAO, is an industry consultant and has held roles on the professional affairs NA team and R&D at Johnson & Johnson Vision and at Luxottica Eye Care as senior director of O.D. engagement.