WORLD events, politics, workplace demands, and more have made us susceptible to stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue. This is a normal human response during challenging times and does not necessarily mean we are not coping well.
Stress needs to be managed effectively so that it does not become distress or burnout. Below are just a few strategies that can help maintain personal resilience. We hope that they will be helpful.
Connect, Collaborate, and Dialogue
Social connections impact our physical and mental wellbeing, similar to good nutrition and moving our bodies. What can you do?
- Maintain connections, both at work and in your personal lives.
- Reach out to people.
- Share resources and useful information. For dietitians who are employers — lead by example, talk about and share resources with your employees about mental health.
- Check in with the people you work with.
Focus On What You Can Control
It is important to identify and focus on what we can and cannot control. We can control following standards and guidelines for safe practice, seeking help, staying connected, and being kind.
Ask For Help
Seek support. Different people respond to situations differently. There is no right or wrong way to cope with stress and maintain wellness. Sometimes, when we feel concerned and overwhelmed, reaching out to social supports, the College Practice Advisors, and others can be helpful.
- Work with your employer to help improve your situation and address underlying issues. Organizations often have resources, policies, protocols, or risk-management strategies available.
- Reach out to supportive networks, trusted mentors, or interprofessional team members (as applicable) for guidance and support.
- If stress is affecting your health, seek counselling, or advice of an appropriate health professional.
- Please contact us for assistance at practiceadvisor@collegeofdietitians.org, 416-598-1725 / 1-800-668- 4990, ext. 397
College Resources
- Code of Ethics
- A Framework for Managing Risk in Dietetic Practice
- Identifying and Managing Problems in RD Work Environments
- Resilience and Managing Risks
- Collaborative Care Professional Practice Guidelines for Registered Dietitians in Ontario
Mental Health Resources
- Mental Health Commission of Canada: Mental Health First Aid
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: Resources for health care workers
- Government of Ontario: Support for health care workers
- Your employer’s Employee Assistance Program (if applicable).
