是时候关注心理健康了
New, easy-to-remember 3-digit phone number — 988 — is now live.
这是毫无疑问的. COVID-19 has created lingering problems in every area of life, including work life. U.S. workers, dealing with mental health challenges, are among the most stressed in the world. And unhealthy coping techniques can increase the risk for chronic conditions.
Since pandemic-induced workplace stress isn’t going away any time soon, 我们希望你能优先考虑自己的健康, recognize the signs of serious problems and seek help when needed.
为什么心理健康很重要
在多项研究中, Americans have reported high levels of stress, 乏力, substance abuse and sleep problems since the pandemic began. Daily tasks and decision-making have been increasingly difficult, 尤其是对年轻人和父母.
Many workers have faced uncertainty about the future, health fears and financial distress as a result of COVID-19. 他们还处理了:
- 个人奋斗 such as coping with the loneliness of social isolation or the grief of losing loved ones. Navigating life-altering experiences is always hard but can be especially difficult during a global pandemic and may lead to excessive worry.
- 专业的挑战 that include increased workload, shifting workplace protocols and reduced staffing.
- 家庭生活的要求 like helping elder family members or caring for children during school absences have also increased stress, 尤其是在职业女性中.
Although some stress can be tolerated, chronic stress can have emotional and physical consequences. It can lead to depression, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
照顾高危人群
The pandemic added to health care disparities faced by several minority groups. Members of these communities are particularly at risk for mental health disorders, 这些问题有时会被忽视. 例如, 黑人和西班牙裔社区, discussing stress may be perceived as a weakness, 不符合职业道德的. 结果是, these workers may believe they lack the privilege of downtime or disposable income to decompress.
寻找解决方案
Research shows that chronic stressors such as long work hours, financial difficulties and work-life conflict may be as unhealthy as secondhand smoke. Open communication in the workplace is essential to identifying solutions for these stressors and other pandemic-related problems.
Being aware of the common symptoms of stress is also important. 其中包括难以集中注意力, 缺乏动力,感觉不确定, 紧张, 悲伤的, 焦虑或易怒. For those with existing mental health conditions, experts recommend continuing treatment and monitoring any new or worsening symptoms.
可以得到帮助
A good first step during stressful times is to incorporate science-backed healthy habits. Some of these include exercising, meditating and practicing gratitude and positive self-talk.
When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, reach out for help. 您可以:
- 联系卫生保健专业人员.
- 利用公司的心理健康资源.
- 拨打988. It’s an easy-to-remember number that directly connects you to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK). This nationwide service connects those in crisis with suicide prevention and mental health counselors.