Just whole healthcare executive scaling health equity through field-defining business, policy and service integration strategy
Blaming health professionals for burnout and suicide risk has to stop. Let's instead promote evidence-based strategies like ACEs Aware's upcoming FREE webinar May 23 - https://lnkd.in/gkUP6Dt4 I've always suspected an unaddressed risk factor is our staff's unmitigated trauma when ACEs meet abusive training. It certainly led to my own burn out early on and research has since shown 4+ ACEs more than double a physician's burnout risk. Exhausted attendings, nurses, and residents can all trigger one another without the right support systems in place. Fundamentally, staff ACEs mean we need universal, confidential therapy that's accessible to them, on their tight schedules; maybe even an opt-out vs. an opt-in model. Focusing solely on "team-based care" approaches, while helpful, cannot undo trauma's inherent changes to team member's brain structures, which research continues to highlight. Similarly, as one wise RN shared with me, being told "just take a mental health day off and engage in self-care" can feel like gaslighting to a burnt out provider. Even well meant, in the context of healthcare's expected heroics, it makes them feel like there's something wrong with them "not being a precise enough machine who can continue to give on and on without breaking." Also remember that stigma is not fully erased as much as we may not feel or notice as professionals who live and breathe erasing it. Jaiden's post is great evidence there's still a lot to do. Including setting up systems where health professionals, ESPECIALLY doctors, can talk openly about their mental health, trauma, and risk of suicide or overdose without fear of losing their licenses or jobs. #mentalhealthishealth. #burnout prevention is #suicideprevention. All are foundational for #traumainformedcare.
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I wasn't going to post today, but I had to get this off my chest. I received a comment yesterday from a guy that asked whether the right type of people are entering the healthcare profession and whether those entering need to be stronger, and that's why the suicide rates are so high. There was no ill intent behind his comment, he simply asked a question and I'm glad he did. I've encountered people in the past that have assumed that those that suffer are weak. I cannot stress this enough, especially during mental health awareness month but burnout that leads to suicide has nothing to do with weakness. You cannot mentally overcome: - Long shifts - Minimal sleep - Poor eating habits - Lack of social health - Missing family events - Regular bullying and hazing - Constant stress and pressure Even the strongest people I know will break under those conditions. And let me be clear, this is relatable to any industry. If you're overworked, not sleeping, stressed, and overwhelmed, it is going to take a toll on your physical and mental health, no matter how tough you are. The solution is not to try and make people 'stronger' but to focus on the imbalances that lead to physical and mental health issues in the first place. To raise awareness and focus on prevention rather than cure. Remember, sleep deprivation by itself is a form of torture. We cannot blame individuals for suffering in environments that are intended to break them. We should focus on the bigger picture instead. 🥦 #mentalhealthawarenessmonth
Reading this in agreement at 3 a.m. because for the third night in a row, I cannot sleep. It does not matter if you "love" your job or not, stress levels are at an all time high. People are struggling to manage life, family, relationships, finances, grief, health and their jobs. May we all find balance and peace soon.
Unless you are part of it others truly dont get it. I feel alone at this point with any regards of support. You know damn well the healthcare facilities are the same ones perpetuating the stigma while being the very ones who should support. Recently assaulted by a co-worker. I asked for EAP and help. They never responded. The person suffered no consequences. I love my job, ITs my purpose but damn I sold my soul to the devil for real
ACEs are an important piece of the puzzle but how do we protect those suffering from “victim blaming” when we bring ACEs into the picture?
Yes! I haven't been at the bedside for a number of years, but I can recall being told early on in my nursing career that nurses who excelled at their jobs had one thing in common - resilience. What people who are not in the medical field don't (and can't) understand is the number of traumatic events a healthcare worker sees in a single twelve-hour shift are more than most humans will see in an entire lifetime. Yet, those workers are expected to just finish with one traumatic event, clean up the room, and move to another without giving it a second thought. I am heartened that the landscape may be shifting. Thank you for sharing.
"Circumstances make us who we are" is a saying I have known all my life. I agree with looking at the bigger picture of mental health for everyone. Regular check up with all level of staff can identify early the red flags for action to be taken early. What would be better is creating a conducive working environment for everyone so we do not reach the level of burnout or suicide.
Well-stated. Thank you for sharing
So very true...I honor and respect those in health care. It is a yireless. Rewarding and exhausting profession. The demand for care has increased significantly. No one gets into this demanding field without a high regard for humanity and willingness to serve. Thank you for your work...
Well put and so true Your spot on remarks are greatly appreciated
Just whole healthcare executive scaling health equity through field-defining business, policy and service integration strategy
3moMore research on the subject c/o of the intrepid George Slavich, PhD of UCLA fame - https://www.uclastresslab.org/pubs/Seiler_CompPNE_2024.pdf