The Mental Health Day Podcast Corner : Wellness
By Kathleen Kennedy , Government Relations Manager
According to the 2021 ADA Dentist Well-Being Survey Report , 63 % of dentists reported that they experienced some type of medical condition . The 5 most common conditions included both anxiety and depression . In fact , the percentage of dentists diagnosed with anxiety more than tripled in 2021 compared to the same survey in 2003 .
What exactly is a “ Mental Health Day ?” It ’ s a day where you briefly step away from responsibilities and stress to take care of your emotional , spiritual and mental well-being . If you were sick with the flu , would you hesitate to take a sick day ? So why wouldn ’ t you also take a time out for mental well-being ?
You know yourself best , and when you notice that you feel a bit “ off ” or not like yourself , it may be time to step away . Signs that you should take a mental health day can include :
• Feeling anxious or irritable
• Becoming easily overwhelmed
• Having difficulty focusing
• Being less productive
• Feeling drained or burned out
• Dropping basic self-care habits like showering , eating or getting enough sleep
So , what should you do on a mental health day ? That is a personal choice that will vary depending on your needs and preferences . Exercise , be creative , do something fun , do nothing at all – whatever benefits your mental health .
Not only is mental illness often stigmatized , but even talking about mental health is often taboo . We place value in working hard and continuing to push through any type of illness or exhaustion we may be facing . It is important to recognize and acknowledge that everyone can benefit from a break sometimes . You do not need to have a diagnosis . Good mental health is something we all deserve .
By Kayla Klingensmith , DMD , MPH , FAGD , FACD
Feeling like you need a pick me up or a reset on your wellness ? Want to hear what dentists are talking about when it comes to mental health ? Well , take a listen to these five podcast episodes that highlight different facets of mental health in the dental community .
“ Wellness : Prioritizing Your Mental Health ”
• Podcast : Dental Sound Bites
• Coming from the ADA ’ s own podcast , this episode talks about wellness and how to talk to a colleague going through some type of mental health struggle .
“ 164 : The Struggle for Wellness in Dentistry ( Mental Health Awareness Month )”
• Podcast : The Dental Download
• This episode is a discussion with a coach who works with dentists exclusively and why he chose to work with the dental profession specifically .
“ Treating Burnout : Some Simple Tips ”
• Podcast : A Tale of Two Hygienists
• For all those out there with a shorter commute , this episode is only 14 minutes long and talks about what to do when you have realized that you are already burned out and how to get back on course .
“ Dr . Jarod Johnson-Maintaining Your Mental Health- Removing the Stigma and Seeking Help ”
• Podcast : Dental Dilemmas
• Coming from a different ADA podcast , Dr . Mellion , from the Council on Ethics , Bylaws and Judicial Affairs , has a conversation about importance of the dentist ’ s mental health . I encourage you to listen to the podcast and then explore the resources in the episode notes !
“ Pursing Wellness and Fostering Animals ”
• Podcast : Life in Loupes
• ASDA ’ s new podcast is for dental students , but I think anyone can enjoy this episode . This conversation on wellness tells the story of a practicing new dentist and her fostering of animals .
MARCH / APRIL 2024 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 25