Occupational Mental Health Hazards

 

Work Woes

Mental health problems follow us everywhere.  Even if our work is fulfilling and our co-workers friendly, the workplace can offer mental health hazards along with physical health hazards like sharps and caustic inhalants.  Work can put us under great stressors.  For example:

Will works on electric power lines at great heights.  He and his work partner are in danger from the elements every day, and a tiny mistake can mean disaster.

Riley is a security guard in a building that is a frequent target of armed robberies.  They are at risk of harm from others on a nightly basis and have been attacked before.

Tasha is a surgeon and bears the weight of others’ safety on her back every day.  She knows that a single mis-stroke of a scalpel could maim a patient and affect their daily life forever.

Gil and Molly own a daycare and are under the pressure of caring for multiple children.  They must protect, teach, feed, entertain, and keep them clean with love and proper procedures.

Tim flies a helicopter in a branch of the armed forces tasked with teaching other pilots to fly skillfully in times of peace and conflict.

Jordan works with a relief organization that provides assistance to survivors of natural disasters.  They have witnessed terrible destruction, injury, and grief.

Professional Support 

All of these careers are stressful in the same and different ways.  High physical risk, the need for focus, having to multitask, being responsible for others, making hard decisions with little time to think, and more.  Take a look at our blog post on what stress does to the human brain here.

There will always be careers that involve high-danger and high-stress work.  Leadership at workplaces that carry high level of stress can help mitigate burnout and injury in several ways, each with their own unique application in that industry.

  • Employers can provide medical care coverage that includes comprehensive mental health services with qualified professionals.
  • They can identify and vet individuals who make up the organization’s formal support network.
  • They can encourage a culture of openness and emphasize that people do their best when properly cared for and maintained.
  • Leaders can put in measures to relieve what stressors they can for their members’ lives outside of work, like childcare and help with relocating.
  • Employers can stay cutting-edge with safety measures and make sure that work positions are adequately staffed.

Help For Those at Risk

We welcome those experiencing mental health hazards at work to contact us.  Patients diagnosed with MDD can take advantage of neuromodulation methods like TMS.  We also offer in-person services and remote services like telepsychiatry.  Always consult with a general practitioner before beginning any mental health regimen.