Health is a vital aspect of life, it enables people to realise and achieve their potential, builds a stronger society, and can fuel economic growth. 

The importance of people who aspire to be healthcare providers cannot be downplayed, particularly students actively pursuing their careers. Healthcare students, including trainee nurses, doctors, and paramedics, contribute immensely to the effective functioning of the healthcare system; they are the future of medicine.

But the stress associated with this line of work can be considerable and, as such, can take a physical and mental toll on healthcare students. 

There is no doubt that having good mental health makes life easier. It helps us remain calm and comfortable when things happen and carries us through difficult times. Having good mental health does not necessarily mean feeling great all the time, but it means knowing how to control and manage how you feel. Everyone gets down or feels stressed, but if your mental health is generally in a good place, you are  better equipped to handle these occasions.

It is imperative that trainee healthcare providers like nurses, doctors, and paramedics look after their mental health for their own wellbeing, as well as to maintain and enhance the service they provide to patients. 

All healthcare students should know that in moments when anxious feelings arise, there are things you can do to look after your mental wellbeing. Whether you’re finding yourself stressed over how to prepare for the NCLEX, struggling with a confronting case, or even dealing with something personal that is affecting your work, you should always make the time to prioritize your health.

Get professional help

First and foremost, if you’re really struggling mentally, you should not hesitate to ask for help. 

The National Institute of Mental Health has plenty of resources that you can access, including  dedicated call lines (including 911 and 988) to connect you with a counsellor or emergency help should you need it. These call lines provide 24-hour, confidential support to anyone who is not feeling okay at any point in time. 

In addition to the call line, online chat options are readily available for individuals who might not want to call. 

You might also choose to contact a local psychologist or therapist, or make use of the Employee Assistance Program at your work. 

Declutter your space 

While this is not a treatment for diagnosable mental health conditions, a clean and tidy space can help you feel better and clearer mentally. Research suggests an association between messy workspaces or homes and increased stress levels.

Clearing your space drastically improves focus, provides a sense of control, and reduces stress. 

Strategies to note when trying to declutter include:

• Do not aim to clean the whole space in one go; this will stress you out. 
• Time is your best friend; take as much as you need. 
• Avoid having high expectations and standards while you declutter. This will help you to be grateful and proud of what you achieve, which then fuels your motivation for the progress you make.

Listen to uplifting music and podcasts

Listening to happy, enthusiastic, and positive music and podcasts can be a game-changer on days when your mood is a little low.

Recommended podcasts include The Mental Illness Happy Hour, Inside Mental Health, We Can Do Hard Things, and Where Should We Begin? 

Podcasts and music are fantastic, as they can typically be accessed for free on platforms like Spotify and YouTube.

Keep a journal 

Indeed, sometimes only written words can express whatever is weighing you down. 

Keeping a journal is as simple as writing your feelings or thoughts down in order to raise self-awareness, get comfortable with your thoughts and feelings, and get things off your chest. 

A journal can be compared to a moral compass, which reminds us of what truly is important and how to not let the little worries of life bring you down. 

Healthcare students are the future, and as such, it helps no one to neglect pressing issues surrounding their mental health. 

The benefits of healthcare students practicing the proposed ways of managing their mental health can reduce burnout, improve interpersonal relationships, relieve stress or anxiety, promote long careers and lives, boost resilience, and enhance productivity, benefiting both students and their patients.

Robert Haynes, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.