Mental Health Awareness
Ways to Help Others and Yourself
Often times, we are so caught up in our busy lives that we neglect our mental health. Learning how to recognize needs and help yourself and others in a time of need can make a huge difference! Below are some tips on how to help.
Ways to help others:
Listen Keep in mind that not all of us are communicating as well as we’d like right now. Be patient, listen with empathy and curiosity as opposed to judgment, and try not to interrupt.
Anticipate needs Consider the small things you can do to help someone who is struggling.
Acknowledge pain when you see it, don’t try to fix it or take it away.
Express concern and offer help when you see someone who is struggling.
Encourage the individual to seek help Healthcare workers are often reluctant to seek help; help by normalizing it for them.
Pay attention to others If you see someone isolating or not quite acting like themselves, let them know you are there. If you hear negative self-talk, encourage self-compassion.
Build community Connect with others to support yourself and your colleagues – eat together, go for walks, take breaks with others.
Share your experiences Sharing your story encourages others to do the same.
Using these tips can help identify signs of mental health needs, and how you can show your care to your peers.
Ways to help yourself:
Eat well to stay healthy and function well. Take a lunch break. Sit down while you eat. Meet with a friend or coworker.
Drink Sensibly Be aware of your alcohol intake and if there have been changes based on your mood.
Keep in touch Keep the lines of communication with others open and try not to isolate when you aren’t feeling great. Find someone who you feel comfortable sharing how you are feeling.
Ask for help None of us are superhumans and things don’t need to be that bad to ask for help. Not only will you get what you need, but others will feel good for having helped you!
Take a break A change of scene or a change of pace is good for your mental health.
Do something you love Fill your tank with positive emotions by doing an activity you enjoy.
Be kind to yourself Life is hard enough right now! Be aware of your self-talk and if you could benefit from some self-compassion.
It is always difficult to recognize when you are in need of a break or help. However, it is beneficial to occasionally take a step back to reflect and take care of your own mental health.
Not sure where to start? Call 1-866-724-4327!
Protect your health and well-being by connecting with easily-accessible peer support through the Physician Support Line, which focuses on helping physicians and medical students through navigating their personal and professional lives. Affordable and confidential counseling is also available through The Emotional PPE Project (connects healthcare workers with licensed mental health professionals) and The Therapy Aid Coalition (short-terms therapy).
MGH Psychiatry Mental Health CARES
This service provides brief virtual individual mental health sessions for employees at MGH and MGH-affiliated hospitals who are under stress, trauma, or bereavement as a result of providing COVID-related services in the hospital or outpatient clinics. We are providing at least 1-3 virtual sessions with a skilled psychologist to assist in identifying concerns and supporting staff during this crisis period, with further referral (including psychopharmacology or longer-term treatment) available if necessary. To refer yourself or one of your staff to this program, please call 617-724-7150. If you have questions about this program, please contact Marti Kane Kane.Martha@mgh.harvard.edu or Justin Chen Chen.Justin@mgh.harvard.edu.
Are you mentally exhausted? Emotionally drained? Feeling anxious, sad, or scared? ReLOVEution is here to compassionately listen! Take 15-60 minutes to talk to one of their volunteers! Completely free and confidential! Sign up here!