Are you “more than enough” at your practice?
by Michael Jones
May is mental health awareness month, facilitated by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the theme for 2023 is “more than enough” (the 2022 theme was “back to basics”).
The Alliance believes that this is an opportunity for all Americans to “come together and remember the inherent value we each hold — no matter our diagnosis, appearance, socioeconomic status, background or ability. We want every person out there to know that if all you did was wake up today, that’s more than enough. No matter what, you are inherently worthy of more than enough life, love and healing. Showing up, just as you are, for yourself and the people around you, is more than enough.
Here are some fast facts about mental health, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness:
1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, and less than half of them receive treatment.
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
The average delay between onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years.
160 million people live in Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas.
In 2020, 1 in 5 young people reported that the pandemic had a significant negative impact on their mental health.
In 2020, there was a 31% increase in mental health-related emergency department visits among adolescents.
More than three quarters of Americans (77%) say they are not content with the state of mental health treatment in this country. People with a mental health condition are even more likely to say they are unhappy with mental health treatment (82%).
65% of Americans are concerned about the stigma around mental illness.
Only half of Americans (52%) say they are familiar with the mental health care system.
As professionals in primary care, we often take time and emphasize mental health awareness and activity for our patients, with the support of health plans and other entities, but what do we do about our own staff?
Remember that your staff members are just as burdened, sometimes more so, than your patients when it comes to all things mental health. Primary care clinicians and support workers are expected to do more work with less spending power, as many Americans are. During the 2020 and 2021 pandemic, healthcare workers were lauded as heroes in the community, but those same heroes today could be suffering in silence.
What are some practical things you can do at your practice to ensure that your team members feel they are “more than enough”, and are supported throughout their own mental health concerns?
First is to learn more about mental health and mental health awareness. Follow thought leaders and trusted sources, including:
Next, help your staff to understand the importance of mental health for your team, minimizing the stigma associated with mental health.
Most of all, lead by example. Especially with those among your leadership team and physicians, share openly, within reasonable boundaries, about mental health. A leader doesn’t have to be completely transparent with all details of their lives to effect positive change, and can empower staff members to maintain a positive framework around mental health. During staff meetings and huddles with team members, demonstrate as a leader that mental health is a priority within your practice by having honest conversations.
When everyone at your practice understands they are “more than enough”, we all win!
