Mental health professionals (MHP) are burdened daily with the pain and suffering of patients. Many work long hours, and regularly face stressful situations. On the other hand, people with mental health issues (PWMHI) have often difficulties to cope with thoughts, feelings, emotions, relationships. Mindfulness is an integrative, mind-body based approach that helps people to focus one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations. The most substantial beneficial results of mindfulness training are a reduction in anxiety and stress, improved cognitive and physical processes, and an increase in vitality. All of which are of utmost effect and advantage within the mental health field, both for MHP and PWMHI.
Daily exposure to traumatic situations- challenging patients, family members and a high responsibility of care- contribute to high stress levels and can leave MHP feeling drained and anxious. The techniques learned through Mindfulness allow the practitioner to become fully aware of the present moment and assess arising situations more effectively, remove oneself from emotional attachments caused by highly charged circumstances and eliminate possible long term negative effects. This benefits the PWMHI under the care of said professionals. Improvements in overall wellbeing can increase both productivity and longevity of the MHP workforce.
