Supporting the Mental Health of Nurses
What is Mental Health?
Mental health is a state of well-being that encompasses the emotional, psychological, and social aspects of one's life
Why Mental Health Matters:
Having good mental health is critical for everyone's survival, but especially important for healthcare workers. Healthcare workers are at an increased risk for suicide compared to non-healthcare workers.
Before 2020,
24% healthcare workers reported anxiety
12% of healthcare workers reported depression
28% of healthcare workers reported stress
After 2020, these numbers increased:
67% reported anxiety
55% reported depression
62% reported stress
"The unique function of the nurse is to assist individuals, sick or well, in the performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery (or to a peaceful death),
that they would perform unaided if they had the requisite strength, will or knowledge.
And to do this in such a way as to help him gain independence as rapidly as possible."
~Virginia Henderson (1991)
The Stigma of Mental Health
“The impact of stigma can be as severe as the consequences of the illness itself” - Katherine Ponte (2022, April 15).
Why else is it important to talk about mental health?
Mental health affects physical health.
Physical health affects mental health.
They should not be separated, but often are because of fear.
Why are people afraid of Mental Health?
Unknown
Shame
Stigma
Last updated March 20, 2025
Email web designer at Amy@mentalhealthinnursingschool.com for questions, comments or suggestions.
