To date, mental health issues are more common in the United States than cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. Just because you work in the healthcare industry does not mean you cannot experience the day-to-day pressure and the damage that they can cause.
You may not have called in sick today, and you are physically present at work. However, your physical health, financial health, and mental health are crucial parts of bringing your best self to work every day. Mental health issues can be a result of many different things for different people. Issues in the workplace can become a trigger for a lot of extra stress, even making you question your skills and self-worth. Those who work in the dental industry not only have to deal with their own anxiety, but also the anxiety of their patients. It is critical for you to learn the best way to handle your everyday stress. Let’s review several things you can put into practice to reduce your daily stress levels.
Get Active
It is very important to schedule a few minutes each day for exercise. It has many health benefits as well as mental health benefits. Attempting a few chairside stretches can help prevent muscle cell damage which could result in muscle spasms or injury. Do such things as stretching in a door frame, or sitting up straight in a chair and doing leg lifts. Stand instead of sitting in a chair at the next office meeting or walk around the block during your lunch break. You will find these small efforts to get active make a great amount of difference to your physical and mental health.
Praise or Encourage Team Members
Offering praise or a word of encouragement to team members helps to uplift their self-confidence and self-esteem. When a co-worker assists you in completing a task, offer them a thank you. Concentrate on the good and positive in order to change your mood or outlook. These simple actions lead to a positive workplace culture.
Volunteer
Giving back to your community helps with your overall feeling of wellness. Volunteer your services individually or volunteer as an office to give free dental care to those who may have limited access or limited resources for dental care. You may also consider volunteering at assisted living facilities or schools in the area. If possible, you may even donate free dental supplies. These actions can result in feeling good about helping others and may help to increase your mental well-being in return.
Prioritize Self-Care
When you take time to care for yourself, you can become better at taking care of others. When you have been under pressure and taken no time to relax, it is difficult to have the energy to help those around you. Endeavor to make exercise, eating healthy, and staying connected with family and friends a priority. Try to take small breaks periodically throughout your day to stretch, take a few deep breaths and grab a drink of water. You’ll find you will feel refreshed and ready to finish your tasks.
Connect With Others
Sometimes it’s hard to make friends or acquaintances, and loneliness can cause mental health issues. You are connected with your co-workers every day. You might want to create an activity that involves new team members to help them feel a part of the team. A buddy system for new hires is a great way to make sure everyone is connected. The workplace can be a great place to contribute to a patient’s or co-worker’s overall health in a positive way.
Signs of Mental Health Issues
Some signs or symptoms of mental health issues can be diminished productivity, physical and emotional stress, withdrawal from everyone or absence from work, self-harm, significant weight changes, changes in mood or activity levels, and sleep issues.
There are a number of mental health assessments available at Mental Health America. These screenings can assist you to determine if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a mental health condition. You may also find valuable information to assist you if you do find you are experiencing any of these conditions.
At SPS Dental Academy, you have a support system. Students find that their instructors become their coaches, mentors, and advisors throughout their studies. Most of them stay in touch with their instructors after completing their program to gain knowledge, support, and advice. There are excellent short-term training programs, hands-on learning and convenient campus locations. Request your consult today!