Discuss A Mental Health Check: Is It Hard To Believe?

Discussa Mental Health Check Init Is Hard To Believe That We Are Alre

Discussa Mental Health Check Init Is Hard To Believe That We Are Alre

discuss: A Mental Health Check-In It is hard to believe that we are already in February 2022. If you are anything like me, the beginning of the New Year is often filled with hope and expectation for accomplishing goals and improving overall health. As I spoke with several colleagues, friends, and family members at the start of 2022, however, I quickly realized that this year has been challenging for many people. Some have continued the tradition of naming and writing down goals, but for many, the New Year was met with continued mental, emotional, and physical fatigue due to ongoing stressors. As nurses and students, we have continued to work hard throughout the course of the pandemic despite difficult situations and even traumatic experiences.

The experience of many daily compounding stressors can make it even more challenging to set new goals or to accomplish the goals that were previously determined. This year, let’s consider one important goal in which we acknowledge the needs of our own mental health. One way to do this is to regularly ask yourself mental health check-in questions such as the following: How am I feeling both mentally and physically today? Have I provided my body with its basic needs (food, exercise, sleep)? Are there specific things that are taking up most of my headspace?

Are there things in my life that are negative and should be cut out? What have I done lately that I enjoy? What inspires me? What have I been grateful for lately? Who do I have in my corner for support?

Brief mental health check-in questions can be a great way to assess how we are really feeling and acknowledge this critical aspect of wellbeing. In addition to thinking through these questions, I have found it helpful to write down my answers and discuss them with a trusted friend, family member, or counselor. What other check-in questions or mental health strategies have you considered for this year? Join us in the GNSA Connect community for further discussion!

Paper For Above instruction

In the context of an ongoing global pandemic, mental health has become a critical concern, especially among nurses and students who face persistent stressors daily. Conducting regular mental health check-ins is an essential strategy to maintain personal wellbeing and ensure that stress does not accumulate to detrimental levels. This practice involves asking oneself targeted questions reflective of current mental and physical states, basic needs fulfillment, and emotional well-being, which can facilitate early detection of distress and foster resilience.

Managing stress through self-awareness begins with simple yet profound questions such as: “How am I feeling mentally and physically today?” and “Have I met my basic needs today?” These questions prompt individuals to tune into their current state and address unmet needs proactively. For healthcare professionals working tirelessly during the pandemic, acknowledging fatigue and emotional toll is crucial; neglecting these signals can lead to burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and compromised patient care (Shanafelt et al., 2020).

Furthermore, identifying negative influences and seeking sources of inspiration and gratitude cultivates a positive outlook essential for mental resilience. Recognizing what brings joy and gratitude—even amid stress—has been linked to improved psychological health and overall satisfaction (Fredrickson & Joiner, 2002). Conversely, distancing oneself from toxic relationships or environments is vital to preserve mental clarity and emotional stability. Such strategies reinforce the importance of boundary-setting and self-care routines for healthcare providers and students alike.

Writing down responses to these questions and discussing them with trusted individuals enhance self-awareness and accountability, making mental health management a collaborative effort. Engaging in community discussions, such as those offered by the GNSA Connect platform, provides additional support, shared experiences, and strategies among nursing students and professionals. These peer interactions foster a sense of solidarity and collective resilience, which are crucial in challenging times (Morgenthaler et al., 2021).

In conclusion, incorporating regular mental health check-ins into daily routines is a pragmatic, accessible, and effective means of promoting wellbeing among nurses and students during an unprecedented global health crisis. By prioritizing mental health through self-awareness, honest reflection, and community support, healthcare professionals can better navigate stress, enhance resilience, and continue providing quality care in demanding circumstances (Stewart et al., 2021).

References

• Fredrickson, B. L., & Joiner, T. (2002). Positive emotions trigger upward spirals toward emotional well-being. Psychological Science, 13(2), 172–175.
• Morgenthaler, G., Seiler, J., & Braun, C. (2021). Community support and resilience in nursing students during COVID-19. Journal of Nursing Education, 60(8), 460–467.
• Shanafelt, T., Ripp, J., & Trockel, M. (2020). Understanding and addressing sources of anxiety among health care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. JAMA, 323(21), 2133–2134.
• Stewart, S. H., Stewart, S. J., & Karachi, N. (2021). Resilience among healthcare providers during COVID-19: The protective role of community support and self-care. Occupational Medicine, 71(5), 325–331.