To mitigate your stress

Are you trying to do too much?
Nurses are human beings, too. You cannot handle everything by yourself. You should know your own stress condition, referring to such guides as the stress checklist results. You should also know that you have limitations, and accept that in abnormal situations, feeling stress is a natural reaction.

Are you trying to do everything by yourself?
Due to the hectic situation or out of a sense of responsibility, nurses often try to do too much on their own. Trying to do everything by yourself could suppress your feelings, hampering you from recognizing your mental state. Work in pairs or entrust some tasks to your fellow nurses. Take some time to pause, look around and ask your fellow nurses to lend a hand.

Do you talk about yourself?
It is believed that talking about disaster experiences and expressing feelings and emotions are important for preventing PTSD. Talk about your thoughts and feelings to your team members or someone close. This will help you clarify your feelings and problems you are facing. However, it has been pointed out that talking about a traumatic experience and associated feelings unwillingly can lead to re-experiencing the distressing event. Start with what you feel most comfortable talking about.

Do you recognize your efforts properly?
Even though they work very hard, nurses often feel a sense of powerlessness in the face of hectic situations. You should appreciate your effort fittingly: "You are doing fine," "You did a good job," etc.

Have you been working for days without a break?
Out of a sense of responsibility as a nurse, you might feel guilty about taking any rests. However, it is necessary to get adequate rest and take good care of yourself. These are important points for anybody, in any situation. Leave your post from time to time and take a rest.

Do you have any free time for yourself?
Even when you are away from your post, you might find it difficult to forget your duties and feel relaxed. During your break time, go out for a breath of fresh air, do some stretching exercises, or listen to your favorite music. Relax yourself in your own favorite ways.

Do you take time to think about yourself or your life?
Nurses are too busy to do anything else but their work, and tend to neglect their own eating, sleeping and families. These are crucial elements for our lives. Eat a healthy balanced diet and be sure to get adequate rest. Also, talk to your family, who surely support you.

Are you able to seek professional help?
Nurses should receive mental health care, as should anyone exposed to a disaster. You should not feel embarrassed to receive mental care. If your checklist score was high, if you suffer from prolonged insomnia or anxiety, or if you recollect traumatic experiences recurrently, seek specialist counseling as soon as possible.

With your fellow workers
Before or after work, take time to talk with fellow workers about what you did or thought during the day. Sharing experiences and thoughts with fellow workers can help you feel relieved and clarify your problems, providing a foothold for your next activity. Don't discuss each person's responsibilities and performance. Just listen to fellow worker's stories and accept their thoughts and feelings. It might be a good idea to invite a mental care specialist from outside (e.g., a specialist of mental health nursing). It could help you clarify your feelings and problems more effectively.