MENTAL WELLNESS TIPS: PRACTICING MINDFULNESS TO MANAGE STRESS JOE AVERA, PHD
Licensed Professional Counselor Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant A crisis situation on a unit can raise stress levels dramatically. Sometimes those crisis moments at work can cause you to feel anxious, scared, or even angry. We often think there’s something wrong if we have these feelings, but you know what? It’s okay to have those feelings. Our feelings are natural reactions to life situations. It’s also important to be able to recognize that while the situation needs to be dealt with in the moment, it’s going to change in the next few minutes or hour. Our feelings and emotions are also going to change. When we are not being mindful and/or being present in the moment, we can get caught up worrying about the outcome. How do I deal with the parent of an adult patient whose constant questions, suggestions and interruptions are interfering with my ability to provide the best level of care? I may be frustrated with them, but if I’m paying attention to what is going on, I may recognize that this
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person is scared and concerned for their loved one. We may be familiar with the medical situation, but this person may not know what is happening. This insight may help me feel more compassion and empathy for the parent and help me find a way to reassure them and address their concerns. Healthcare professionals, especially front-line staff, must be mentally present at work to make tough decisions and provide the best care possible. Anxiety, stress and depression can take a toll on each of us and affect those in our care. One of the most effective tools for treating anxiety and depression is mindfulness. Mindfulness is simply the intentional act of paying attention to what is occurring in the present moment with acceptance, and without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can help you feel more grounded, reduce anxiety and help you pay attention to what is going on.
