Were you aware that a significant number of college students and practicing nurses are experiencing one or more mental health challenges? According to a 2022-23 Healthy Minds Study, a majority of 59% of college students face these concerns, and according to a 2021 study by the American Nurses Foundation, 66% of nurses under the age of 35 experience anxiety, and another 47% experience depression. 

Breaking the stigma of asking for help in times of struggle is crucial to improving mental health in the healthcare profession. Healthcare professionals should have access to mental health services and resources to help them manage their mental health. The WVJC School of Nursing wants to provide resources for students and working nurses who may be dealing with stress and feeling overwhelmed. 

Free Mental Health Resources

During times of mental health crisis, it is vital for students to have around-the-clock access to resources that offer confidential support. Text hotlines, virtual chats, and helplines are available for students who need extra support. Below are three free real-time support lines for those in crisis:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 support for people in distress. This free and confidential support system can be easily accessed by dialing “988” on your phone, sending a text message to “988”, or utilizing an online chat on their website. 

For the Frontlines offers free crisis counseling for healthcare professionals who struggle with feelings of fear, isolation, anxiety, stress, and other challenges. Text “FRONTLINE” to 741741 to be connected to a trained counselor.       

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, Helpline offers free nationwide peer support for teens and young adults. Trained specialists can provide information, resource referrals, and support through calls, texts, chats, or emails. Support is available Monday through Friday, 10 am-10 pm, by any of the following methods:

Phone: 1-800-950-NAMI

Text: “Friend” to 62640

Chat Online here

Email: helpline@nami.org

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides year-round support to those facing mental health or substance abuse disorders. This free and confidential service equips individuals and families with information on local resources, facilities, support groups, and more. SAMHSA’s National Helpline can be reached 24/7 by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or texting your zip code to HELP4U (435748).

Virtual Therapy

Some mental health challenges are not crisis-level but still require additional counseling to manage. Virtual therapy services and mental health-focused apps are excellent options for students and working healthcare professionals to take control of their mental health in a way that fits into their busy lives. Below are four services that offer online therapy, guided meditation, journaling, and other mental health resources. 

Talkspace is an online therapy option that allows students to speak with licensed providers virtually. This can be especially beneficial for busy students or those living in areas lacking mental health support services. Talkspace’s network of therapists and psychiatric providers are experienced in many mental health conditions, treatments, and needs. 

Another virtual therapy option is BetterHelp. BetterHelp operates as an affordable membership service, providing access to video sessions, phone calls, and messages with a licensed therapist. This can be a helpful option for students whose insurance may not cover certain mental health services. 

Calm is an app that provides audio and video content such as meditation, soundscapes, movement practices, and more. Utilizing the tools in the Calm app can help students better focus while doing schoolwork, reduce stress, get better sleep, and overall improve mental health. Try downloading Calm in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. 

Moodfit is a virtual resource that provides a comprehensive and customizable support plan. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, this service equips users with tools such as mood journals, gratitude journals, mindfulness exercises, mental health assessments, nutrition, and more. While Moodfit offers a free and paid subscription service, new users can get a free trial of the premium features to decide if the app works for them before purchasing a year's subscription. 

Support for Nursing Students

One innovative way that nursing colleges can provide support to their students is by collaborating with mental health initiatives that equip students with the tools they need to prioritize their mental health during nursing school and into their careers. 

An exciting new partnership between WVJC School of Nursing and Moodr Health does just that by providing student nurses with resources such as mental health assessment, treatment, evaluation, and support for the unique challenges of nursing school. Partnerships like this can pave the way for a higher standard of mental health support to reduce the stress that can come with training to become a nurse and then working in the field. 

The WVJC School of Nursing challenges students and working nurses to take advantage of the plethora of mental health resources available to those struggling. By highlighting the importance of good mental health during Mental Health Awareness Month, you can help erase the stigma behind seeking help.

Your Mental Health Matters!

You’ve likely heard the phrase, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Nurses and healthcare professionals are the backbones of the medical field, tirelessly devoting themselves to the care of others. However, to care for others, they must also care for themselves. 

The nature of the healthcare industry exposes these individuals to high-stress environments, which can take a toll on their mental health. Without proper self-care and prioritization of mental health, the constant emotional strain can lead to feelings of burnout, compassion fatigue, and even second-hand traumatic stress. 

The embarrassment surrounding mental health in healthcare professionals can sometimes prevent individuals from seeking help. By prioritizing their own mental well-being, nurses and other healthcare professionals can help reduce the stigma and set a positive example for their peers.