DiversityNursing Blog

Nursing is among the most challenging professions, demanding physical, emotional, and mental strength. The intense environment, extended shifts, and regular exposure to trauma can impact mental health. Even with growing awareness of mental well-being in healthcare, many Nurses are reluctant to pursue psychological assistance. Recognizing the factors that affect their willingness to seek support is crucial for promoting a healthier workforce.

Stigma Surrounding Mental Health

One of the primary barriers preventing Nurses from seeking psychological help is the stigma associated with mental health issues. Many Nurses fear being perceived as weak or unfit for their role if they admit to struggling. This stigma is often reinforced by workplace culture, where resilience is valued over vulnerability.

Work-Related Burnout

Nurses face high levels of stress due to long shifts, understaffing, patient care responsibilities, and administrative burdens. Burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment, is prevalent among Nurses. While stress increases the need for psychological support, burnout can create feelings of hopelessness that deter Nurses from seeking help.

Lack of Time and Accessibility

Heavy workloads and long shifts leave Nurses with little time to prioritize their own well-being. Scheduling therapy sessions can be challenging, especially when working rotating shifts. A lack of accessible mental health resources, especially in rural or underfunded healthcare settings, also limits Nurses' ability to seek professional help.

Organizational Support and Policies

The presence (or absence) of workplace policies supporting mental health greatly influences help-seeking behavior. Organizations that offer confidential counseling services, employee assistance programs (EAPs), and mental health days are more likely to encourage Nurses to seek help. A lack of institutional support may reinforce the idea that mental health is not a priority.

Personal Beliefs and Coping Strategies

Individual attitudes toward mental health care also play a significant role. Some Nurses may view psychological help as unnecessary, believing they should handle stress independently. Others may rely on personal coping mechanisms such as exercise, meditation, or social support instead of professional intervention. While these strategies can be beneficial, they may not always be sufficient for addressing deeper mental health concerns.

Peer and Leadership Influence

The attitudes of colleagues and leadership can either encourage or discourage Nurses from seeking help. A supportive work environment where mental health is openly discussed can reduce stigma and empower Nurses to prioritize their well-being. On the other hand, if supervisors and peers downplay the importance of mental health, Nurses may feel pressured to endure their struggles in silence.

Fear of Career Consequences

Nurses may worry seeking psychological help could negatively impact their career. Concerns about professional reputation, job security, or even licensure can prevent them from accessing the support they need. Addressing these fears requires clear policies that protect Nurses' rights to seek mental health care without professional repercussions.

Encouraging Help-Seeking Behavior

To create a supportive environment where Nurses feel comfortable seeking psychological help, healthcare organizations and leaders can:

• Promote mental health awareness by normalizing discussions around stress, burnout, and emotional well-being.

• Ensure confidentiality in counseling and support services to alleviate fears of professional consequences.

• Increase accessibility to mental health resources, including on-site counseling, flexible therapy options, and digital mental health tools.

• Encourage leadership advocacy where Nurse managers and senior staff model healthy behaviors and open conversations about seeking help.

• Implement wellness programs that integrate mental health into daily routines, such as mindfulness sessions or peer support groups. 

Addressing the factors that mediate Nurses’ behavior toward seeking psychological help is critical in fostering a resilient and healthy workforce. By breaking down barriers, reducing stigma, and providing accessible resources, healthcare institutions can empower Nurses to prioritize their mental well-being. This ultimately benefits both caregivers and patients alike.

While physical health is undoubtedly important, so is Mental Health. Millions of Americans are affected by mental illness each year. Psychiatric Nurses have the specialized knowledge and skills needed to treat these illnesses. 

According to the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), Psychiatric Nurses make up the second largest group of behavioral health professionals in the U.S.

In the United States, suicide is a leading cause of death and in 2020, about:

• 1 in 5 American adults experienced a Mental Health issue
• 1 in 6 young people experienced a major depressive episode
• 1 in 20 Americans lived with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression

The pandemic has increased the need for Mental Health care. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the percentage of adults with recent symptoms of an anxiety or a depressive disorder increased from 36.4% to 41.5% from August 2020 to February 2021.  

There is a dire need for more Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses (PMHNs).

More than 75% of all U.S. counties have a shortage of Mental Health professionals and almost all counties have an unmet need for Psychiatrists.

Mental Health Nurses work in a wide variety of inpatient and outpatient work settings, either as a specialty position or in primary care. Some job opportunities include military care, forensics, private practices, clinics, community health centers, public health facilities, schools, substance abuse centers, senior centers, hospice, rehabilitation services, telehealth and case management.

The day to day duties of PMHNs include:

• Conducting an assessment of a patient’s status
• Conducting intake screenings, initial evaluation, and triage
• Providing nursing care following a treatment plan
• Administering medication and/or other treatment regimens
• Teaching patients self-care activities
• Engaging in crisis intervention and situation stabilization (when necessary)
• Educating patients on how to manage their condition
• Providing education to patients’ families and communities
• Working efficiently alongside other members of an interdisciplinary team

“It’s a very rewarding field. As a Psychiatric health care provider, you may be the first person to talk to someone about why they are in crisis, and that can be a humbling experience," said Emma Mangano, DNP, PMHNP at Johns Hopkins Hospital. 

Some essential traits of a Mental Health Nurse include:

• Critical Thinking
• Good Communication
• Empathy
• Reliability 
• Confidence
• Compassion

The salary of a PMHN depends on their level of experience and the amount of specialized training they have undergone. According to Indeed, the average Mental Health Nurse's salary in the U.S. is $87,156.

A career in Mental Health Nursing can be demanding, but it is extremely rewarding.

Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Windi Woods, says that the best part of the job is “knowing that this team is the end of the road for most of these patients and we give them hope."