(Alexandria, VA, Tuesday, December 1, 2020) – We are in the middle of a mental health crisis in our country. Anxiety and depression continue to increase at a record pace as the pandemic drags on.
Healthcare workers throughout the country have been thrust onto the frontlines as the pandemic rages on, exposed to a deadly virus on a daily basis as they are expected to go out even when nearly everyone else is being advised to stay in at least some of the time.
A recent survey from Mental Health America shows that the vast majority of healthcare workers are now experiencing stress, anxiety, frustration, exhaustion, burnout, and are feeling overwhelmed.
The research shows that healthcare workers are fearful for their loved ones. They are worried about exposing a child, older adult family member and a partner or spouse to COVID-19.
Now more than ever and until this pandemic is under control, it is important to make sure we address fears and make sure healthcare workers are empowered to have strong coping strategies. It’s especially important to address stress and anxiety to prevent burnout.
Taking care of healthcare workers so that they can take care of us needs to be a priority. Every healthcare worker needs to have access to a variety of mental health supports, including counseling, employee assistance programs and online tools.
Mental Health America (MHA), founded in 1909, is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all Americans. MHA’s work is driven by a commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all, early identification and intervention for those at risk, integrated care, services, and supports for those who need it, with recovery as the goal.