Understand the Power of Self Talk and How it can Affect Health Care Professionals Under Stress.
- Patricia Maris
- Feb 19, 2023
- 10 min read
Reading Time: 9' 06"
Word Count: 2,275
I. Introduction to the Power of Self Talk
Many Health Care Professionals are under tremendous stress due to the demanding nature of their jobs. Despite this, they must stay positive and motivated to provide adequate patient care. Positive self-talk is a potent tool to help Doctors navigate challenging times and remain focused on what matters. This blog post will explore the power of positive self-talk and how it can help Health Care Professionals manage stress and anxiety while providing compassionate care.
A. What Are Your Thoughts? Science Explained!
Thoughts are a product of mental activity, and science has long sought to explain how they are produced. The brain is composed of billions of neurons that communicate with each other through electrical signals. When these neurons fire in a specific pattern, it creates an electrical impulse that travels through the brain and produces a thought.
Scientists believe that thoughts are created when these electrical impulses interact with the various parts of the brain responsible for memory, emotion, language, and decision-making.
This interaction between neurones creates a unique pattern that forms the basis for our thoughts. Additionally, research suggests that 'thoughts' can be influenced by external factors such as environment and genetics, which can shape them. Ultimately, understanding how 'thoughts' are produced or where they come from is essential to understanding ourselves better and improving our mental health.
Mitochondria play an essential role in thought impulse, producing the energy needed to power neurones. Mitochondria are found in the cells of most eukaryotes, –any cell or organism with a clearly defined nucleus, including animals, plants and fungi. They have a double membrane structure and use oxygen to convert nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy source for cellular processes.
ATP is essential for neurones to fire electrical impulses that allow us to think and process information. Also, mitochondria store calcium ions necessary for neurotransmitter release and synaptic transmission. Therefore, mitochondria are essential components of nearly all cells in the body, acting as the powerhouses for thought impulses. The question is if the mitochondria powers our thoughts, where do they come from? 🧐 I can see a blog coming your way!
B. Definition Of Self-Talk (no it does not mean you are going crazy, it is actually OK)
Self-talk is a term used to refer to the internal dialogue that takes place inside our minds. It can be positive or negative and is composed of thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes that shape our self-image and worldview. It is a form of cognitive functioning that helps us regulate our emotions and draw conclusions from experiences. Positive self-talk can help build confidence and motivate us to take action, while negative self-talk can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and defeat.
In general, individuals need to become aware of their self-talk to understand themselves better and formulate strategies for dealing with difficult situations. By being mindful of our inner dialogue, we can learn how to manage our thoughts and emotions so that they do not impede our progress or hinder our confidence.
C. Benefits Of Positive Self-Talk
Positive conversations with your inner self are essential for maintaining emotional and mental balance. Research has shown positive self-talk can help a person feel encouraged, motivated, and optimistic. It can also be used as a coping strategy when facing challenges. Additionally, it can benefit physical health by having a healthier immune system, reduced pain, better cardiovascular health, and improved mental health. Positive self-talk can also benefit relationships by helping to focus on the positives of others. Finally, it can reduce stress levels and improve one's ability to cope with stress. A positive self-talk is an invaluable tool for improving mental and emotional wellbeing.
II. How Negative Stress Impacts Health Care Professionals
Negative stress significantly impacts Health Care Professionals' mental and physical health, and it can lead to burnout, fatigue, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. This, in turn, can compromise the quality of care they provide to their patients.
Health Care Practitioners are particularly vulnerable to the adverse mental health effects associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, with 93% reporting stress, 86% reporting anxiety, and 77% saying frustration. Burnout is also a significant issue for healthcare workers, with 55% reporting burnout (mental and physical). Job stress can endanger nurses' physical and mental health, decrease energy and work efficiency, and fail to provide proper nursing care.
Worldwide pressure among healthcare professionals is also increasing due to the pandemic; compared to other workers, they have an increased risk of very-high stress levels (>80). Health Care Professionals must receive support to manage their mental health to continue providing quality patient care.
A. Physiological Effects of Stress On Health Care Professionals
The physiological effects of stress on Health Care Professionals are becoming increasingly apparent. A recent study found that increased workload, burnout and fatigue, multifaceted challenges for women HCWs, and increased substance abuse are all contributing factors to the rise in suicide among Health Care Professionals in Australia.
Depression and suicide are further exacerbated by ready access to lethal means of suicide and low rates of help-seeking in this population. Negative thoughts can lead to mental illness issues such as depression, suicidal ideation and post-traumatic stress. Certain groups are at greater risk for suicide due to substance use, job or financial problems, relationship problems, and physical or mental health issues.
Treatment of significant distress, depression, and anxiety under the care of a mental health professional might include psychotherapy (talk therapy) or medications. The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented stress for healthcare workers resulting in higher levels of psychological distress. It is vital to provide support for social, emotional, behavioural and mental health needs among children and student groups to reduce the risk of suicide among healthcare professionals.
B. How Can Negative Stress Lead To A Deterioration Of Physical And Mental Health?
Negative Stress can have a significant impact on both physical and mental health. When we experience stress, our bodies release hormones, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. Over time, this can result in serious health issues such as high blood pressure, chest pain, digestive problems, and even heart disease. Stress can also lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. In addition to the physical and mental effects of stress, it can also cause us to engage in unhealthy behaviours such as smoking or substance abuse. It is essential to recognise the signs of stress and take steps to manage it before it leads to further deterioration of physical and mental health.
III. Overcoming Stress Through Practicing Positive Self-Talk
Overcoming stress is essential to maintaining good mental health, and practising positive self-talk can be an effective tool. Positive self-talk involves talking to ourselves compassionately and encouragingly. This means replacing negative thoughts with kinder, more optimistic ones. For example, rather than telling ourselves that we are not good enough or cannot succeed, we should emphasise our successes and take credit for our achievements. Additionally, positive self-talk can help us to reframe challenging situations so that they appear less daunting. We can create an environment of positivity and hope by addressing our challenges and focusing on solutions rather than the problem itself. All goals can become achievable with a healthy dose of encouragement, self-belief, and optimism!
A. Identifying Negative Thoughts And Reversing Them to Positive Thoughts
Focusing on solutions rather than problems can be a powerful tool for overcoming stress. Negative thoughts are naturally generated due to unhealthy thinking patterns cultivated over time. With some effort and practice, negative thought patterns can be replaced with positive ones. This involves consciously identifying the negative thoughts that arise during times of difficulty and then consciously replacing them with positive affirmations.
For example, when faced with a challenge, rather than telling ourselves, "I'm not capable of doing this", we should say to ourselves, "I can do this!"
Doing so can help us focus on solutions instead of dwelling on the problem itself. Additionally, by emphasising our successes and taking credit for our achievements, we can build confidence and become more resilient in facing adversity. These positive thought processes can help us to experience improved mental health, higher self-esteem and greater focus - offering a range of benefits that will lead to success!
B. Health Care Professionals In Distress Are More Prone To Making Mistakes Due To Increased Stress And Mental Pressure Levels.
Health Care Professionals play a vital role in our society and often face stressful and difficult situations when providing care. Unfortunately, these situations can also lead to increased stress levels for Health Care Professionals, resulting in an increased risk of mistakes due to mental pressure. Such errors can have severe consequences for providers and patients, so Health Care Professionals must have the tools to manage their stress levels effectively and reduce the risk of mistakes. Positive affirmations are one way of accomplishing this, effectively reframing negative thinking into positive outcomes.
Here are some examples:
• I am capable of overcoming this challenge.
• No matter what, I will keep going.
• My effort and dedication will bring me the success I deserve.
• I can learn from my mistakes and continuously improve.
• My hard work will pay off in the end.
• I am stronger than my difficulties and challenges.
• With every challenge that passes, I become more resilient.
• It is OK to take time out for myself when feeling overwhelmed.
IV. Techniques for Practicing Positive Self-Talk Among Healthcare Professionals in Distress
Stress can negatively affect both our physical and mental health. Fortunately, there are many tools that we can use to manage stress. One of the most powerful strategies for reducing anxiety is practising positive self-talk. Positive self-talk refers to talking to ourselves in an encouraging and supportive manner. By doing so, we can create a more positive outlook on life and begin to take control of our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
A. Identifying Sources Of Stress And Replacing Them With Positive Coping Mechanisms.
Stress is a natural part of life, but it can be challenging to manage. Identifying sources of stress and replacing them with positive coping mechanisms can help us better manage our emotions and reactions to stressful situations.
Examples of positive coping mechanisms include:
Taking breaks from news stories.
Taking care of yourself.
Booking regular massages to release tension.
Learning skills and strategies to navigate stressors.
Additionally, identifying your stressors and practising cognitive reframing* can help you better understand the cause of your stress and how to address it healthily.
*Cognitive reframing is a technique to help shift one's thoughts and emotions by changing how one views challenging situations. It involves analysing the current situation or problem regarding its benefits and opportunities rather than focusing on the negatives.
For example, instead of viewing rejection as evidence of failure, you might reframe it as an opportunity to learn something new or work on a different project. By reframing our thoughts, we can look at stressful situations from a more positive perspective, which can help us better manage our emotions and reactions.
B. Learning From Past Experiences And Using The Lessons To Create A More Optimistic Outlook For Future Challenges.
Our past experiences are like beacons guiding us through life's uncertain terrain. By reflecting on our successes and failures, we can identify patterns and trends to ensure progress in future endeavours.
The same is true for medical professionals treating mental health issues - by reviewing case studies, researching treatments, and considering their own experiences with patients, physicians can develop more effective plans for successfully navigating even the most difficult challenges. With this information, they become better equipped to recognise potential risks before they manifest into significant problems. The key to this practice is to become OBJECTIVE!
V. Conclusion
In conclusion, Health Care Professionals need to understand the power of self-talk and how it can help them cope with stress. Identifying negative thought patterns and replacing them with positive thoughts can positively affect these individuals' physical and mental health. It is also beneficial to learn from past experiences and use the lessons learned to create an optimistic perspective that aids in reducing stress levels.
You are especially vulnerable to the negative impacts of stress, such as burnout, fatigue, anxiety and even post-traumatic stress disorder. These mental health concerns can lead to a drop in the quality of care provided and can be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Positive thinking can help protect against these effects by improving confidence and promoting wellbeing.
By understanding how 'thoughts' are produced, not just powered! And being aware of our inner dialogue, we can better manage our emotions and make better decisions in difficult situations.
Identifying sources of stress and replacing them with positive coping mechanisms can help to manage emotions.
Examples include taking breaks from news stories, taking care of yourself, and learning skills and strategies to navigate stressors.
Cognitive reframing involves analysing the current situation or problem regarding its benefits and opportunities rather than negatives.
Reflecting on past experiences can help create a more optimistic outlook for future challenges.
Medical professionals can better prepare for potential risks by reviewing case studies, researching treatments, and considering their own experiences with patients.
Take 15 minutes each day to identify and write down any negative thoughts that come to mind, and then challenge yourself to reframe the 'thought' into a more positive one.
Spend time each week reflecting on lessons learned from past experiences, and use them to create an action plan for managing stressful situations in the future.
Taking the first step towards mental wellness is challenging, but worthwhile. Don’t struggle alone – reach out today and get the help you need.
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Sources I.
Britannica- Thought
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