Looking After Your Mental Health in Healthcare

​‌Working in healthcare is one of the most rewarding career paths, but the demands are real. Long hours, high-pressure decisions, and the responsibility of caring for others can make it easy to forget to care for yourself. Especially in Aged Care jobs, Allied Health jobs, Nursing jobs or Community Care jobs, where you are working with the most vulnerable, the emotional load can pile up quickly.

That’s why self-care for healthcare professionals matters so much. Without making mental health a daily priority, even the most passionate professionals can face fatigue, burnout, and stress-related illness. Such stress can affect not just you, but the quality of care you provide.

In Australia, the prevalence of mental ill health in the workplace is rising. HILDA survey data reported via the National Mental Health Commission shows incidence of mental ill health increased from almost 20% in 2015 to 28% in 2021. The healthcare and social assistance sector is among the most affected.

From our experience on the frontlines of Aged Care, Allied Health, Nursing and Community Care recruitment, we understand that small steps can make a big difference when it comes to mental health - for both individuals and teams. Here are some actionable tips to help bring self-care into your workday and workplace.

What Healthcare Professionals Can Do to Protect Their Own Wellbeing

1. Focus on Quality Sleep, Exercise and Diet

This advice might be boring, but it’s hard to argue against it! Without good sleep hygiene, regular (and enjoyable) exercise and nutritious food, you’re less equipped to withstand the stress at work.

2. Switch Off During Downtime

Make time outside work for things that recharge you – whether it’s family and friends, reading, a hobby, or simply doing nothing for a while in a pleasant environment (park, beach, etc).

3. Know the Signs of Burnout

Burnout is the kind of condition that creeps up slowly on people. Watch for signs like constant exhaustion (even after you’ve rested), feeling detached from patients or tasks, irritability, or a drop in job satisfaction. Acknowledging these feelings is healthy self-awareness and not a sign of weakness. The sooner you recognise burnout, the sooner you can take action.

4. Reach Out for Help

You’re used to being the helper, but you also deserve help when you need it. When you’re feeling overwhelmed or experiencing mental health symptoms, talk to someone. Chatting with trusted colleagues or peers can ease the load and make you feel much better than trying to soldier on alone.

If you’re struggling, you may want to speak to your GP, a mental health professional, or make use of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) if your workplace offers one.

What Employers Can Do to Support Healthcare Staff Wellbeing

Self-care for healthcare professionals is more than an individual priority. Managers have a significant influence on the health and wellbeing of their teams, though their policies and mindset. Here are ways that employers can support their employees’ health and wellbeing:

1. Make Mental Health Part of the Conversation
Normalise talking about mental health. Leaders and managers can set the tone by regularly checking in with staff. Ask your team members how they’re coping, not just how they’re performing. Remind them that it’s okay to seek support.

2. Offer Flexible Rostering Where Possible
Long hours and back-to-back shifts heighten the risk of burnout. Where practical, offer flexibility in rostering, part-time options, or time-off-in-lieu. A little adaptability can make a huge difference to employee morale and retention.

4. Create a Culture of Care
Culture starts at the top. When leaders genuinely care for their teams, it shows! Recognise the hard work your people put in, celebrate the small wins and encourage team connection. Remember, teams that feel cared for deliver better care.

3. Promote and Improve Access to EAPs and Resources
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) only help if staff know about them and feel safe using them. Actively promote these services, ensure they’re confidential and easy to access, and encourage their use without stigma.

Where to Get Help

Looking after your mental health is just as important as caring for others, and you don’t have to do it alone. These trusted services offer support specifically for healthcare workers and anyone in need of confidential, professional help.

Black Dog Institute’s The Essential Network (TEN)

The Essential Network (TEN) is a dedicated mental health support service designed specifically for Australian healthcare workers. It offers access to online tools, confidential telehealth counselling, and resources to help manage stress, anxiety, burnout, and other mental health challenges unique to the health and care sector.

Lifeline

Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services via phone (13 11 14), text, or online chat. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, struggling to cope, or just need someone to talk to, trained crisis supporters are ready to listen and help without judgement.

Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue offers mental health support, information, and resources for people facing anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Their services include a 24/7 helpline, online forums, and practical guides to help you look after your wellbeing and reach out for help when needed.

Head to Health

Head to Health is a comprehensive digital mental health platform funded by the Australian Government. It connects individuals with a wide range of mental health resources, online programs, and services, making it easier to find the right support, whether you’re looking for self-help tools or professional assistance.

You Care for Others. Let Us Care for You.

Working in Nursing, Aged Care, Allied Health or Community Care takes heart, skill, and strength. But you shouldn’t have to do it all without support. At Curamoir, we believe that great care starts with supporting the people who provide it. For healthcare professionals, we focus on your wellbeing, career goals, and work-life balance to help you find your ideal role. For employers, we connect you with exceptional talent and help you create an environment where your people feel valued and cared for.

Ready to find your next role or build your next great team? Get in touch with the specialists in Aged Care, Allied Health (Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Physiotherapy), Nursing and Community Care recruitment at Curamoir. We’d love to chat!