Supporting Nurses’ Mental Health

Jason T
May 4
3 min read

Updated: May 6

Caring for the Caregivers: Supporting Nurses’ Mental Health During Mental Health Awareness Month

May marks International Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to elevate conversations around mental wellness, reduce stigma, and promote supportive environments. While mental health affects us all, one group often overlooked in this conversation is nurses—the very backbone of our healthcare system.

Every day, nurses face high-pressure situations, emotional trauma, long shifts, and an often overwhelming workload. From emergency rooms to long-term care facilities, the expectations placed on nurses can be both physically and emotionally taxing. Yet despite their essential role, many nurses feel they must quietly carry these burdens, often without adequate mental health resources or support.

The Hidden Toll of the Profession

Nursing is a deeply rewarding career, but it can also be one of the most emotionally demanding. Compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary trauma are all common. A 2022 study published in The Canadian Journal of Nursing Research found that nearly 60% of nurses reported moderate to high levels of burnout, with many citing lack of institutional support as a contributing factor.

These mental health challenges don’t just affect the nurse—they impact patient care, staff retention, and overall workplace culture.

How We Can Make a Difference

Promoting a mentally healthy work environment starts with leadership but depends on everyone in the organization. Here are a few ways we can support nurses:

Normalize Mental Health Conversations: Create an environment where talking about stress, anxiety, or burnout isn't taboo. Open-door policies and regular check-ins can go a long way.
Offer Access to Mental Health Resources: Ensure nurses have access to counseling services, peer support groups, or employee wellness programs without fear of stigma or career impact.
Promote Reasonable Work Hours: Address chronic understaffing and long shifts. Fatigue isn’t just a safety issue—it’s a mental health issue.
Train for Emotional Resilience: Provide training in stress management, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care practices that can help nurses build coping skills.
Recognize Their Work: Appreciation isn’t just about awards or recognition days—consistent, genuine acknowledgment of the emotional labor nurses perform can help them feel seen and valued.

A Call to Action

As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s not forget those who spend their lives caring for others. It's time to care for our caregivers. Whether you're a healthcare administrator, educator, patient, or community member, you can help shape a more compassionate, supportive system.

Mental wellness is not a luxury—it’s a foundation for quality care. And for nurses, it should be treated as essential.

“This material is for informational purposes only and is based on guidelines from The Canadian Red Cross, Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, and Alberta Health Services. This content does not replace professional medical advice or official safety training. Consult your physician or safety training facility for further guidance.”