Prioritizing meaningful habits, support during Mental Health Awareness Month
In light of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, experts detailed the steps individuals can take to improve their mental health.
Taking time each week to focus on mental well-being may be especially important for individuals who care for others as part of their occupation, including nurses and clinicians, according to a news article from Duke Today. However, a recent poll from the National Alliance on Mental Illness found that about 40% of respondents identified concern about being judged as a barrier to expressing their mental health needs in workplace settings.
The experts cited in the article emphasized that individuals shouldn’t view seeking support as a weakness and that speaking with a peer who understands what they’re going through can make a positive difference. Nurses and clinicians who consistently care for patients may need to process their stress and other strong emotions, which can become more normalized through the creation of psychologically safe environments built on trust and peer support.
Additionally, individuals were urged to prioritize habits they consider valuable, whether that may be going for a walk, reading a book, photographing nature or getting adequate sleep. Joining support groups can further improve mental well-being and help individuals be their best selves through brief mindfulness resets and words of encouragement.
The experts suggested that individuals end their day on a high note. Focusing on a meaningful activity or positive news can retrospectively brighten the day and shift the focus away from challenges individuals may have faced during the day or negativity before sleep.
The American Dental Association offers wellness-related resources for dentists, dental students and team members at ADA.org/wellness.
Read more: Duke Today
The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.