This 2019 study revealed alarming rates of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and burnout among Canadian nurses—well before the added strain of the pandemic. Conducted by the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions and University of Regina researchers, the study surveyed 7,358 nurses. With the aftermath of the pandemic intensifying these issues, we clearly need more support for our nurses.

Nursing is such a demanding profession with high rates of burnout, emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and high exposure to trauma. Nurses need more support and resources to help them navigate the stress and strain of their work, process all the traumatic events they are exposed to, and find time to care for themselves. If you are a nurse feeling anxious, fatigued, and overwhelmed, know you do not have to navigate this alone. If the demands of your profession are taking a toll and negatively impacting your personal life, reach out for support.

The Mental Health Crisis in Nursing

• 1 in 3 nurses (36.4%) screened positive for Major Depressive Disorder.

• More than 1 in 4 showed signs of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (26.1%) and clinical burnout (29.3%).

• Nearly 1 in 4 (23%) screened positive for PTSD, and 1 in 5 (20.3%) for Panic Disorder.

• 1 in 3 nurses (33%) experienced suicidal thoughts, 17% had a suicide plan, and 8% attempted suicide in their lifetime.

Read the complete article on nursesunion.ca