An assessment of the mental health of mental health care workers in the public sector

Abstract

The mental and emotional well-being of mental health care professionals can be jeopardized by burnout, a syndrome similar to depression and other affective disorders in its symptomology and effects. A questionnaire designed to assess mental health and burnout was developed using various assessment tools from the mental health care community to obtain information about health habits, stressors, coping skills, personal history, and length of service. Forty-seven workers at a public mental health facility responded to the questionnaire. The results of this study suggest that approximately 20% of mental health care-givers are experiencing high degrees of burnout and mental disease. Neither personal history or long-term service appears to contribute to the burnout. Workers new to the field seem to be at greatest jeopardy. Control coping mechanisms were found to be more effective than escape coping mechanisms in combating stress and mental illness.