“It’s so easy for health care workers to forget about self-care when we’re so committed to our jobs but are overloaded. Health care workers are constantly working short, facing high workloads, and burning out. And it’s resulting in many workers having to deal with mental health issues.
I’ve worked in health care since 1998. I’ve worked in a lot of different health care positions: recreation, staffing, ambulatory services, and as a care aide.
Right now, I work as an Enhanced Disability Management Program (EDMP) Steward. This means that I support health care workers and work with Employee Health and Wellness to help them gradually return to work after a disability or injury. I’ve been experiencing higher caseloads around mental health in the last year and a half.
I’ve noticed that cases are more complicated, and it takes a bit more time with each worker. Sometimes I spend 30 minutes on the phone just listening to someone’s story. People often don’t have anyone to talk to, so I take the time to listen to them. And that’s part of the process.
It can be heart-wrenching, hearing about the things that some health care workers are facing. I feel for them. Sometimes, when members are crying, I never let on, but I’m on the other end of the phone crying too!
After work, I always take thirty minutes to myself where I don’t talk to anyone, even my family. After 30 minutes of alone time, I can continue with the rest of my day. And in this job, I take things day by day.”
Donna, Care Aide – EDMP Steward, part of the health care team