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Trigger warning: This piece mentions details about suicide and other severe mental health concerns that may be triggering for some readers. 

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a wrap, I am overjoyed by continued progress towards bringing mental health to the forefront of issues facing Americans today. Many organizations have taken strides towards reducing stigma, improving inclusivity, and encouraging access to mental healthcare for those in need from within the workplace. Companies such as Ernst and Young, American Express, and Netflix have been recognized as leaders in mental health support for employees through institutional changes they have made in work policy that expand access to and awareness of mental health care [1]. Additionally, The National Alliance of Mental Health has created StigmaFree Workplace and Minority Mental Health awareness resources to address the multifaceted nature of mental health stigma [2]. 

Recognition of disparities around mental health, and action towards inclusivity for those of various levels of mental ability are imperative for equity in the workplace and beyond. Yet, there is much more work to be done, especially for one of the most vulnerable and stress-ridden communities: healthcare professionals. 

Recognition of disparities around mental health, and action towards inclusivity for those of various levels of ability are imperative. Yet, there is much more work to be done, especially for one of the most vulnerable communities:… Click To Tweet

My passion for mental health activism and advocacy didn’t come out of the clouds. It began through working with my former supervisor at a Federally Qualified Health Center. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, an immigrant, and a woman of color, she was someone I felt like I could resonate with because we shared similar backgrounds. She effortlessly weaved her own identities into providing effective free and low-cost mental health services to marginalized and under-resourced communities of people. Patients loved her and would come back reporting improved mental health outcomes. Her value was undeniable, and her passion was unparalleled. 

One year after I left that job to pursue graduate school, I received a call from a nurse from the FQHC: 

“She took her life. She would have wanted you to know she adored you.” 

Unexpectedly to her family, friends, and colleagues, my former supervisor, the LCSW who committed her career to supporting those with mental health needs, succumbed to a secret battle with the same disease she was helping treat. I was struck with shock, confusion, and eventually, frustration. How could the system that she advocated for, and knew so much about, still manage to take her life? 

Despite the efforts towards improving mental health awareness, news stations are abuzz with stories about high achieving physicians, nurses and even medical students committing suicide, often after long battles with mental health conditions. Although many factors can be attributed to mental illness, specifically in the healthcare sector prominent factors include extensive hours, high stake environments, and malignant work culture. All of these can lead to burnout and chronic stress for those who provide us care. Perhaps most devastatingly, many healthcare workers are deterred from seeking mental health due to stigma within their profession and/or professional consequences, such as inability to maintain licensure and/or grow as a leader within their field [3]. 

Devastatingly, many healthcare workers are deterred from seeking mental health due to stigma within their profession and/or professional consequences, such as inability to maintain licensure and/or grow as a leader within their… Click To Tweet

Multilevel interventions addressing political, community, and interpersonal levels of the social environment are vital to achieving equity in mental health care for healthcare professionals. Here are some examples: 

  • Policy change is necessary to ensure that health professionals can seek care without fear of repercussion. Currently, the American Medical Association is working on a series of policies to reduce physician burnout and improve ability for physicians to receive mental health care [4]. 
  • Support for programming specific to health professionals’ mental health can address the unique needs of this community. For example, Minnesota’s HealthPartners system started a Center for Employee Resilience, providing space and programming for promoting wellbeing that is open 24/7 for employee convenience [5]. 
  • Creating emboldening spaces to dialogue about mental health within the caregiver community is crucial to reducing stigma amongst health professionals. It takes just one colleague to ignite dialogue and spark changes within leadership and company culture. 

Whether it is civic engagement, community leadership, or just letting someone know you are here to listen, we can do more within and beyond the healthcare system to improve the culture around mental health for our caregivers. I strive to not only care for, but also empower healthcare professionals, like my former supervisor, who are invaluable to our world. 

Sources: 

1. 5 Ways Companies are Changing the Conversation about Mental Health 

2. NAMI Stigma Free Companies 

3. Stat News- Doctors fear mental health disclosure could jeopardize their licenses 

4. AMA press release, June 13, 2018 

5. Center for Employee Resilience