MHM Magazine

colleagues or managers that they’re struggling with their mental health or to seek professional help. The healthcare workers feared that a mental health issue would make them seem incompetent or weak, a burden on co-workers, and that their credibility and competence would be questioned. They revealed a need to “be seen as human beings behind the lab coat or uniform”, with one respondent saying that “there needs to be an understanding that despite our profession we’re still human beings and need just as much, if not more, support, as we take on so much – we hold everyone but ourselves”. “We need to highlight the humanity of the person in the lab coat or nursing uniform. We are humans first, with emotions and challenges as much as everyone else. Our qualifications and skills don’t shield us from psychiatric illness, hence we’re not immune and should not be viewed as ‘less than’ when we have challenges,” said another. The survey has highlighted the need to improve workplace support for mental health in the healthcare sector, with respondents calling for more education, awareness and open communication that acknowledged the challenges to mental health of working in healthcare. “Healthcare professionals need to be reminded that they cannot pour from an empty cup, and that taking care of themselves enables them to serve others,” commented one respondent. There is also a need to make support more easily accessible, greater awareness of the resources and services that are available, and to ensure confidence in the privacy and confidentiality of support services. The respondents were clear that mental health and seeking help in the healthcare professions needs to be normalised and made a part of everyday language and interactions in healthcare workplaces. This can be achieved through by making regular workplace wellness check-ins and mental health care a standard part of the ‘package of care’ for those in these professions. Mental illness needs to be treated the same as physical illness in terms of medical aid, disability and income protection insurance, and workplace policies such as sick leave benefits,” she said. Operations Director of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, Cassey Chambers says, “We know already that amongst healthcare workers, poor help-seeking behaviour exists where they are less likely to reach out for help or support due to stigma and fear. Through the HWCN, we’re aiming to not only reduce the stigma associated with mental health but also to change the narrative and speak openly on accessing support when needed and being more aware of the warning signs.” * The HWCN network is a joint initiative of the South African Medical Association (SAMA), the SA Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), the SA Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP), and the SA Society of Anaesthetists (SASA), supported by the Psychological Society of SA (PsySSA). Visit www. healthcareworkerscarenetwork.org.za for more information. 2 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | Issue 2 | 2022 MHM visit our website www.ihpublishing.co.za