We recently covered depression in nursing on our blog to help reveal some of the statistics about the epidemic of nurse anxiety and depression in our country. Nurses experience clinical depression at twice the rate of the general public, more specifically, depression affects 9% of everyday citizens while 18% of nurses experience symptoms of depression. At Freedom Healthcare Staffing, we work tirelessly to be our nurse’s #1 resource, confidants and support system through this chaotic journey. While we know the job of traveling the nation and heroically caring for patients is incredibly rewarding and freeing, we’re not blind to the fact that it can be downright difficult. As caregivers, it’s in your natural makeup to care for others before yourself, but we’re asking our nurses to never forget to take time for themselves when traveling. Of course, this is easier said than done. When you’re out on the road, traveling and visiting new and unfamiliar grounds, how do you even begin to seek mental health resources? Especially if you don’t know anyone in your new town, referrals are hard to come by. We’ve taken the liberty of researching ways our traveling nurses can easily get the care they need when traveling to mend the mind before it really needs repair. We know how great #travelnursing is, but we’re not blind to the epidemic of depression in nursing. Find an affordable & accessible resource specific to your #mentalhealth needs: Click To Tweet Take care of your mind, body and soul, before it starts screaming for help with these affordable (and many, free!) services and resources below.

    Learn more about Dealing with Depression on the Road.

    Dial 211

    What is it? 211 offers basic human needs services for those who don’t have access to or can’t afford therapy-type services. The service works similar to 911. They’re routed by the local telephone company you’re calling from, and the referral specialists have access to resources available from both private and public human service agencies to help callers with their specific needs and requests. Who is it available to? 211 offers care, services and resources to roughly 270 million people (approximately 90% of the U.S. population) including all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. To access this confidential service, visit the website and enter your current location to get started. The cost: Free

    Mental Health America

    What is it? Mental Health America (MHA), formerly known as the National Mental Health Association, is a non-profit built in 1909 to provide community-based mental wellness support, prevention services, early identification, intervention, integrated care and recovery. For immediate services, they have a crisis number available (1-800-273-TALK). They can also be used as a tool for simply locating useful resources. This includes self-assessment tools, links to someone in your community to talk to, and tips on how to get the most out of working with your therapist or social worker if you have one. Who is it available to? MHA has over 200 affiliates in 41 states. To see if your location is covered by MHA health services, visit their affiliates locator page. The cost? MHA offers a wide net of services, therefore each comes with different costs. Take a look at their payments and care page to assess what services you might need and the cost associated.

    Nurse burnout is real: 5 Ways to Combat Travel Nursing Burnout

    Mentalhealth.gov

    What is it? Mentalhealth.gov has long been known as the catch-all for mental health services with a wide range of help for anyone looking for an answer, solution or treatment. Their services, tools and studies prove to be helpful to those who know they’re struggling, but not sure with what exactly, to pinpoint what kind of care they need. Maybe it’s not you who has an undiagnosed issue, but a partner or loved one. There are resources available on how to handle your own feelings when working with struggling loved ones as well.Nurse holding head mental health tips Who is it available to? Assistance can be accessed through their immediate help hotline, the treatment locator on their website or simple live chat on the website if you’re looking for a non-intrusive way to ask about services. Visit the right-hand side of their homepage to access your preferred or required line of assistance. The cost? All of mentalhealth.gov’s immediate phone systems are free to call. To learn more, visit their Immediate Help page. Don’t let housing get in the way of the perfect travel assignment: How to Avoid a Housing Catastrophe on Your Next Travel Assignment Tend to your #mentalhealth before it screams for help with these affordable and accessible resources for frequent travelers: Click To Tweet

    Crisis Text Line

    What is it? For those who aren’t necessarily seeking a service or a number to call, Crisis Text Line is a text-only 24/7 service that’s as easy as texting “START” to 741-741. Provide a few details about yourself. You will be instantly connected with someone who can help your specific needs through simple text conversation. Who is it available to? Anyone with a text-able phone in the U.S. The cost? Free

    ReachOut

    What is it? ReachOut is a social network that gives users the sense and feel of community, similar to an online social account. This online community is helpful for those on the go, or who would rather connect with others through an app rather than making a phone call or using desktop chat functions. This network is similar in function to a support group, with many of its users experiencing similar struggles and issues. Who is it available to? Available for download on iOS and Android devices. The cost? Free

    7 Cups

    What is it? Free online text chat counseling for those who don’t have access to or don’t have the means for counseling. Their slogan is “The world’s largest emotional support system.” 7 Cups gives visitors a chance to choose their own “listener” and works to solve problems and develop any needed coping skills to get through whatever dark times you’re experiencing. Who is it available to? Anyone with a text-able phone. The cost? Text services start free, but if you require further, more intimate sessions with your listener, scheduled video chats are being offered upwards of $100/session. View their website to learn more about their full suite of services. Often times those who are battling depression or dark times lack resources, help and education to what’s available to them. The first step is growing your awareness of what’s available to you no matter where you are. These services offer self-assessments to help travelers identify their feelings and struggles. Then, they provide unique services to get them on a healthy recovery track. Are you ready to take care of you? Reach out to your Freedom recruiter for more advice on location-specific services when you’re feeling lost in your new assignment. We’re always here to lend a hand.

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